Stick or arc welding is one of the most common forms of welding performed today. It is also referred to as covered electrode or SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding) and this method provides many benefits to the industry and its consumers. Maybe you have never welded before and you have no idea what 2 AWG welding cable is. Perhaps you are interested in learning more about this craft. Here is some helpful information to get you started.
What is Stick Welding?
This procedure uses an electric power source flowing through an electrode that melts the electrode and forms a bonding agent between two surfaces. The electrode is made from a metal, like steel, and a flux material. The principle is quite simple. Suppose you have 2 AWG welding cable connected to a 240-volt power source. At the end of your cables are clamps that resemble jumper cable clamps. These are what hold the electrode.
Perhaps you have two pieces of metal you wish to weld together. Place the metal surfaces together and turn on the power. Place the welding rod against the surfaces. As electricity flows through the 2 AWG welding cable to the rod it is grounded by the surfaces being joined. Electricity creates a great deal of friction when there is a short circuit, and this friction generates a lot of heat. This is what melts the welding rod and bonds the metals together.
Uses for Arc Welding
This procedure can be used in a wide range of environments. For example, welding is easily done both indoors and outdoors. Indoor welding includes shop and production line welding. Outdoor welding is often performed on bridges, ships, and oil pipelines. It is facilitated with portable power generators. Here are more uses:
- Equipment (like 2 AWG welding cable and electrodes) for arc welding is not expensive. It is also easy to obtain.
- Gas shielding is not needed.
- Winds do not have much effect on arc welding processes.
- Welding can be done in limited and remote access regions.
- Arc welding is used on a variety of common industrial metals.
Disadvantages
There are a few downsides to consider with arc welding:
- Arc welding is a manual method. In other words, it does not lend itself well to automated processes.
- Is not used for special metals like tantalum, titanium and zirconium, due to O2 contamination.
- The process (deposition rate) is slower than other welding methods.
It costs more than some automatic welding methods.
Whether you need number 8, 6, 4 AWG welding cable or sizes up to 350 MCM, you can depend on SAMS Fabrications Ltd for high quality and affordable prices.
For more information on Welding, Contact SAMS Fabrications Ltd at https://www.samsfabrications.co.uk/, You can also follow them on Facebook.
