Real-Life Communication
You've been asked to weld a cracked loading bucket for Lloyd's tractor.
You tell Lloyd that you're going to use an arc weld to repair the fracture.
"I'll
probably use a STICK instead of a TIG weld," you say, explaining the type
of arc weld you are going to use. He looks confused. "Well, I could use a
MIG weld if that's what you want," you say.
"What's the difference?"
he asks.
Here's your answer:
There are three types
of arc welds: STICK, MIG and TIG.
STICK: welding using a flux
MIG:
welding using argon gas as a shield
TIG: welding using a non-consumable
tungsten electrode
Lloyd still looks confused. Using
the definitions below, create an explanation for the three different kinds
of welds. Remember to explain all the words within each definition such as
flux, shield and electrode.
Here are the other definitions you'll need:
Arc:
An electrical current is being used to produce heat for the weld. In each
process it's necessary to have an electrode for the electric arc to flow from
the electrical source to the piece being welded.
Electrode:
A conductor that allows a hot, electric arc to flow from the electrical source
to the piece being welded. The electrode is often a filler rod.
Flux:
Something that is used to coat or cover the weld to prevent air from mixing
with it while it is still molten.
MIG: In this process, a thin
wire that comes off a spool is used as the electrode and is consumed and deposited
during the welding operation.
Shield: This is similar to a
flux except that argon gas is used to cover the weld to prevent air from mixing
with the metal while it is still molten.
STICK: In this process,
the flux melts over the weld as the electrode is consumed and deposited during
the welding operation.
TIG: In this process, the filler is
a plain piece of metal added drop by drop to the weld.
(Non-Consumable)
Tungsten Electrode: The electrode (made out of tungsten) that is conducting
the electrical charge isn't melted and deposited on the weld. An outside filler
metal is used for the weld.