Welding

We have maintained long and close relationships with many metal processing industries (such as the shipyards and oil rig constructors) and so has gained invaluable knowledge and experience.

• Wire welding
• TIG welding
• MIG/MAG welding
• Plasma welding
• Autogenous welding
• Electrogas welding
• Laser welding

One or more of the gases argon, helium, CO₂, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen are used as shielding gases in the welding process.

Acetylene and oxygen are used for autogenous welding. The welding method and the product to be welded dictate the choice of gas mixture. The gases are supplied as standard mixtures or are specially prepared. The gas most used is Hydro Secure 18 (argon with 18% CO₂) for wire, and MAG for carbon steel. Argon is the gas most commonly used for TIG welding. For MIG/MAG welding of rustproof materials, gases with a low CO₂ content are used, typically 2%, along with argon. In addition, purging gas is used for welding rustproof pipes and containers in order to maintain good corrosion resistance. Argon or nitrogen with or without the addition of hydrogen are used for this purpose.

Welding and cutting with gases dates back to the late 1800s, but has only really grown since the beginning of this century, as the transportation of cylinders and bulk gases became possible.
During the past 20 years welding and cutting has grown through science as research and development has played a more important role in today's industries. The industrial gases have now reached purity levels which are often far above what people actually require in order to perform high quality welding.

The issues welders face today are more likely to be which gas or gas mixture and what kind of equipment will give the best results for different types of metal, rather than gas quality.