1. Specialized Welding
Techniques For Skilled Trades
Students
Welding is a technique that involves joining materials such as metals,
plastics, or composite materials. It involves melting the material and
adding a filler to form a strong bond between the two parts. Skilled
trades students who want to specialize in welding should learn about
the various available welding techniques. This article will discuss some
specialized welding techniques open to skilled trades students.

2.  Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
This welding technique uses a consumable metal wire electrode and a
shielding gas to produce the weld. GMAW is a versatile welding
technique that can weld a wide range of metals. The welding technique
is commonly used in automotive and manufacturing because they
require high productivity and speed.
In GMAW, a spool of wire is fed through a welding gun and melted by
the heat of the welding arc. A shielding gas, typically argon or a mixture
of argon and carbon dioxide, protects the weld from atmospheric
contamination. The weld is formed as the wire electrode melts and
fuses with the workpiece.

3.  Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
It is also known as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, which utilizes a
non-consumable tungsten electrode to generate the weld. GTAW is
known for its ability to create precise and high-quality welds, making it
ideal for welding thin materials. Thus, it is a commonly used welding
industry that requires high-quality welds, such as aerospace,
automotive, and medical equipment manufacturing.
In GTAW, a shielding gas, typical argon, is used to conserve the weld
from atmospheric contamination. The welding arc is created by striking
an angle between the workpiece and the tungsten electrode. The non-
consumable tungsten electrode allows precise control over the heat
input, making it ideal for welding thin materials.

4.  Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or Stick welding, is a method that
uses a consumable electrode with a flux coating to produce the weld.
SMAW is a versatile welding technique that can weld a wide range of
metals. It is commonly used in industries that require portability and
the ability to fuse in outdoor and remote locations.
In SMAW, a consumable electrode with a flux coating is held in a
welding gun and melted by the heat of the welding arc in the welding
job.

5.  Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
The welding technique uses a tubular wire electrode to produce the
weld. FCAW is similar to GMAW, but a tubular wire electrode is used
instead of a solid wire electrode. FCAW is commonly used in industries
that require high productivity and speed, such as shipbuilding and
construction.
In FCAW, a tubular wire electrode with a flux core is fed through a
welding gun and melted by the heat of the welding arc. The flux core of
the wire electrode produces a shielding gas that conserves the weld
from atmospheric contamination. The welding arc is created by striking
an angle between the workpiece and the wire electrode. The weld is
formed as the wire electrode melts and fuses with the workpiece.

6.  Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
Submerged Arc Welding is a technique in the welding course that uses a
granular flux and a continuous wire electrode to create a strong bond
between two metal parts. SAW is often used in the shipbuilding
industry to weld thick metals and in the construction industry. It is a
more efficient technique than SMAW and FCAW, as it can weld long
metal sections with fewer stops.
 Plasma Arc Welding (PAW)
Plasma Arc Welding is a welding technique that uses a plasma arc to
create a strong bond between two metal parts. PAW is often used in
the aerospace industry to weld thin metals and alloys. It is a more

7. precise technique than GTAW, but it is more challenging to learn and
requires a high skill level.
 Electron Beam Welding (EBW)
Electron Beam Welding is a technique that uses an electron beam to
create a strong bond between two metal parts. EBW is often used in
the aerospace industry to weld thin metals and alloys. It is an exact
technique in welding training requiring specialized equipment and a
high skill level.
 Laser Beam Welding (LBW)
Laser Beam Welding is a technique that uses a laser beam to create a
strong bond between two metal parts. LBW is often used in the

8. aerospace industry to weld thin metals and alloys. It is an exact
technique that requires specialized equipment and training.
Thus, these specialized welding techniques can be learned with the
help of welding training programs.