What is welding on?
Welding on is the process of joining two steel or metal parts by welding, attaching one piece permanently to another. In construction, welding on is used to connect steel structures, extend reinforcement bars, or fix metal components to an existing structure.
How does welding work?
During welding, two metal workpieces are heated to melting point. At the contact point the metals fuse together, often with the addition of a filler rod or welding wire. After cooling, a permanent, strong joint is formed.
The most common welding methods in construction:
- MIG/MAG welding — welding with a continuous wire electrode and shielding gas. Most widely used for steel structures.
- Stick welding (arc welding) — a coated electrode melts and forms the weld. Suitable for on-site work.
- TIG welding — welding with a tungsten electrode and separate filler material. For precision work, e.g. on stainless steel.
Application
- Steel structures — columns, beams and trusses are welded together
- Reinforcement — rebar in concrete is sometimes welded (only when approved by the structural engineer)
- Railings and fences — bars and tubes are welded to the frame
- Repair work — restoring damaged steel parts by welding on new material
Important considerations
- Weld quality — a poor weld can fail under load
- Structural welds — must always be carried out by a certified welder
- Corrosion protection — after welding, the joint must be protected against rust (priming, galvanising)
- Heat-affected zone — the welding process changes the steel structure near the weld
Related terms
- Steel
- Structural frame
- Reinforcement
- Beam
- Column
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