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Welding School Specializations: Top Welding Careers
Welding School Specializations: Top Welding Careers
Are you considering attending a welding school? Did you know that within the scope of welding careers, there are a variety of specializations available? Here are some areas of specialization that could align with your welding career goals.
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also referred to as manual metal arc (MMA), or stick welding, is often taught by welding schools, as it is one of the most commonly used welding processes in the world.
Basically, SMAW welding uses a consumable electrode coated in flux (a chemical that removes oxidation from metals, allowing them to become fused). A power supply is then used to create an electric current, which forms an electric arc that spans from the electrode to the metals that the welder is joining. During this process, the electrode's flux coating begins to disintegrate, creating vapors which act as a shielding gas, keeping out atmospheric gases like nitrogen and oxygen, which can result in defects and weld metal weakness.
SMAW is typically used to weld steel and iron, but is also useful for nickel, aluminum, and copper alloys. It is the most commonly used welding process in the maintenance and repair industries due to its versatility and relative ease of use.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) / Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG)
Other specializations that can be found at a welding school are metal inert gas (MIG) and tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. MIG, which can also be known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), can be used as a semi-automatic or fully automatic arc welding process that relies on a welding gun in order to produce a continuous wire electrode, along with a shielding gas. MIG welding is found primarily in the industrial industry, and is used almost exclusively in the automotive industry.
TIG is a similar welding process, with the main difference being that it uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the weld. Although TIG is a more complex welding process, and requires a higher level of skill—after mastering the technique, it provides a welder with greater control over a weld than most other processes. For this reason, TIG is often used to weld extremely thin pieces of stainless steel, or non-ferrous metals, including magnesium, aluminum, and copper alloys. TIG welding is most commonly found in the aerospace industry.
Flux Cored Arc
The flux cored arc welding (FCAW) process is also a common specialization offered by a welding school, as it does not require the use of stick electrodes, making it semi- or fully-automatic. FCAW instead uses a consumable tubular electrode and flux, which is continuously fed through a constant-voltage power supply. It is primarily used on mild or low-alloy steels, such as stainless steel, high nickel alloys, and wearfacing/surfacing alloys. Because of its fast welding speed and portability, which makes it simple to transport between sites, it is primarily used in the construction industry.
Oxy-Acetylene
For welding careers that are outside of the typical construction and industrial options, an oxy-acetylene welding specialization is a great choice. It is basically the use of an oxy-acetylene flame, which burns at 6000 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing it to melt, join, or cut all variations of commercial metals. Although this welding process is somewhat outdated in most industries, it is still widely used in specialty areas, such as metal artwork and jewelry production.
Underwater Welding
Another welding career that could be considered “outside of the box” is underwater welding. Aside from traditional training from a welding school, underwater welding careers also usually require commercial diving training. In order to pursue a career in this alternative field, both diving and welding certifications are required. Underwater welders must possess a solid set of skills related to offshore commercial equipment, diving safety, and the actual process of underwater welding. In addition, duties often include pre- and post-welding activities, such as material alignment and preparation, beveling, and concrete stripping.
Welding Schools
Now that you are aware of some of the specializations available through welding careers, your next step is to research individual welding programs and find the one to match your career goals. This online guide to welding schools is a great place to begin!
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