Gaasikeevitust

Gaasikeevitust, also known as gas welding, is a fusion welding process that utilizes a hot flame produced by burning a fuel gas with an oxidizer, typically oxygen, to melt the base metals and a filler metal. The flame's temperature varies depending on the gases used, with oxy-acetylene welding producing the hottest flame, reaching temperatures around 3,500 degrees Celsius. Other gas combinations like oxy-hydrogen or air-fuel gas can also be employed, but they produce lower temperatures and are generally less common for industrial applications.

The process involves a welding torch that mixes the gases and directs the flame onto the joint. A filler rod is often fed into the molten pool to add material and strengthen the weld. The shielding gas is not inherent to the process itself, unlike in gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Instead, the combustion products of the fuel gas and oxygen can provide some degree of shielding, but often additional fluxes are used to prevent oxidation and contamination of the molten metal.

Gaasikeevitust is a versatile process suitable for a wide range of metals, including steel, aluminum, copper, and their alloys. It is particularly useful for thin materials and for applications where precise control of heat input is required. It can also be used for brazing and soldering, as well as for cutting metals by using a cutting torch attachment. While it has been largely superseded by arc welding processes in many industrial settings due to faster speeds and higher efficiency, gas welding remains valuable for specialized applications, repairs, and artistic metalwork.