Kaarihitsausmenetelmät

Kaarihitsausmenetelmät, known in English as arc welding methods, refer to a group of welding processes that use an electric arc to create heat to melt and join metal. The electric arc forms between an electrode and the workpiece, generating intense temperatures capable of fusing the base materials. These methods are widely used in various industries for their versatility and strength of welds.

One of the most common kaarihitsausmenetelmät is shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), often called stick welding. In SMAW, a consumable electrode coated in flux is used. The flux melts and creates a shielding gas and slag, protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. Another prevalent method is gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as MIG welding (metal inert gas) or MAG welding (metal active gas). GMAW uses a continuous solid wire electrode fed through a welding gun, and a shielding gas supplied from a cylinder protects the weld area.

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), or TIG welding (tungsten inert gas), is another significant kaarihitsausmenetelmä. GTAW utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the arc, and a separate filler material may be added manually. An inert shielding gas protects the tungsten electrode and the weld pool. Submerged arc welding (SAW) is an automated process where the arc is shielded by a granular flux, which also becomes molten and forms slag. This method is known for producing high-quality welds at high deposition rates, typically used in heavy fabrication.

Each kaarihitsausmenetelmä has specific applications, advantages, and limitations based on factors like material type, thickness, required weld quality, and cost-effectiveness. Proper selection and application of these methods are crucial for achieving strong and durable welded joints.