At times it is pretty standard for people to choose the wrong welding method to complete their work. This usually happens because of a lack of knowledge about welding methods. Well, there are multiple types of welding, each of which is used to complete distinct tasks. For instance, some forms can be for joining different metallic surfaces with great accuracy, while others may not. That’s why we should consider the method’s validity before choosing.
You will have to gather proper knowledge about welding methods to get this knowledge. We will help you gather facts and figures about seam welding here. This is one of the most common types of welding used by professional welders, specifically in air-tight products. So, let’s open up and learn some valuable seam welding facts. After that, you can choose whether to go for it or not.
Contents
What is seam welding?
Seam welding or electric resistance welding is the type of welding in which a principle of electric resistance is ideally used to join metallic parts. It is also called lap seam welding. Typically electrodes are moved on the desired surface, and then we pass current through them. This will generate considerable heat that will force both characters to join together.
What are the types of seam welding?
Resistance seam building is one of the types of welding that we broadly divide into two different types:
Intermittent seam welding
The usual technique that welders use in this type, but the welds are done over considerable distances. Welders typically use this type when continuous seam welding is impossible.
Continuous seam welding
This is the type of seam welding in which continuous current does through electrodes which means constant pressure is applied on the metallic surfaces. This causes a continual weld that joins both of the metallic surfaces ultimately.
Principle of seam welding
Firstly, we pass a high beam of current through electrodes. Then these electrodes are moved into circular motion over the surface of metals. The resistance and heat generated together will join the metal sheets or covers.
- The metals to be welded are kept under the rounded electrodes.
- A continuous beam of current is passed through the electrodes.
- While the current passes through electrodes, these are also rolled over the metal surface. This means heat and pressure will work hand in hand to give you the desired outcome.
- It is one of the most cost-effective and user-friendly methods of welding.
Parts of seam welding apparatus
A seam welding machine includes the following parts that you need to handle with extreme care to achieve desired results.
- Seam shaft
- Seam welding electrode wheel
- Contact unit of seam welding machine
- Head spares of the machine
- Welding tip dresser
- Pneumatic electrode tip dresser
Here you can watch a tutorial on seam welding, after which you will also get an idea about different parts of the apparatus in even more detail. Seam welding tutorial.
What are the applications of seam welding?
Multiple manufacturing companies and industries consider seam welding in the procedures of manufacturing goods. Well, here are some of the standard seam welding applications in industries:
- Enterprises also use it in making lap joints
- It is the primary welding type used for welding air-tight or watertight vessels.
- Welders also use seam welding in pipe and tube welding. This procedure is a common type of welding as no fusion materials are used in making pipes and tubes.
- Used for welding and assembly of fuel tanks
- It is the primary type of welding used to weld oil switches
- Several other appliances like air-tight coolers, leak-proof tanks, transformer tanks, and pressure tanks are also welded by seam welding
To make seam welding successful in all these fields, you will have to make sure that the welds are smooth and continuous and can achieve the same goals.
What are the advantages of seam welding?
Resistance seam welding is the most favorable and useful type in most industries. Here are some of the advantages that support this statement.
Pocket-friendly method
One of the top advantages is that no filler material is used in welding; you will not have to buy anything additional and spend extra money. This is why many industries prefer to go for seam welding for their procedures.
It can give leak-proof and air-tight welds
This is an all-rounder welding method that is used by maximum industries. All thanks to its ability to give out continuous air-tight and water-tight welds. So, most of the oil tank and vessel industries are making full use of this welding method.
Fast method
Another breath-taking fact about this welding method is that it won’t demand your maximum time. So, if you are an owner of a manufacturing company, trust me, this is one of the best types of welding ever.
No chances of overlapping
An advantage that will blow your mind is that this welding method is foolproof and won’t ever relapse or give any sorts of problems if done accurately. But remember, you must figure out where you must use intermittent seam welding and where you need continuous seam welding.
Easy to operate
Luckily this is one of the great methods for ease and comfort. You don’t have to do extra labor; it’s all on the roller electrodes, and the electric current generates heat to perform their actions. Plus, being a beginner, it is easier to operate the machinery in this type of welding.
No heat distortion
Little to least heat is lost during this process so that it will utilize every bit of current provided to the electrodes and finish work in the expected time. This means the least resource expenditure leads to reduced overall expenses for your industry.
No pollution process
Superior of all, no damage to ozone is done with this method as no gases or fumes are produced that are likely to pollute the environment.
What are some of the drawbacks associated with seam welding?
Like everything else, seam building also has some drawbacks and limitations that we will mention below.
One of the considerable limitations is that this type of welding is only meant for straight or slightly curved surfaces. So you can use this method only for some limited projects. Besides this, you will have to keep the thickness of the sheets in mind. For instance, if you are working on sheets thicker than 3mm, you may find it difficult to weld them together.
Similarly, if your sheets are not smooth and easygoing, you must buy special electrodes because normal ones may cause problems.
Conclusion
Here it comes to an end; we hope that by now, you have a clear mind about seam welding or electric resistance welding. Seam welding is one of the best and most reliable welding procedures for maximum industries because of its capabilities. Still, you have to keep the limitations in mind.
Besides this, never start this procedure before reading the safety precautions to be followed during seam welding. Just follow the exact process and become a pro in seam welding; after that, it is promising that you can make many bucks being a seam welder in diverse manufacturing industries.