Autógenas

Autógenas refers to a method of welding that uses heat generated from the fusion of the base metals themselves, without the addition of any external filler material. This process relies on the melting of the edges of the pieces to be joined, creating a molten pool that solidifies upon cooling to form a homogenous weld. The heat source is typically a flame, such as an oxy-acetylene torch, or an electric arc.

The key characteristic of autógenas welding is the absence of filler metal. This means that the weld metal is entirely composed of the parent material, which can be advantageous in certain applications where material compatibility is crucial. The technique requires precise control of heat input and joint preparation to ensure a strong and defect-free weld. The molten pool is often shielded from atmospheric contamination by the flame itself or by a shielding gas.

Autógenas welding is distinct from other welding processes like arc welding with filler rods or brazing. While arc welding can also use electricity as a heat source, it typically involves adding filler material to form the joint. Brazing involves joining metals using a filler metal that has a lower melting point than the base metals, and the base metals themselves do not melt. The autógenas process, by its very nature, aims for a fusion of the base materials. This method is often used for joining thin sheets of metal or for applications where a clean and aesthetically pleasing weld is desired, such as in some plumbing and pipe welding.