High-Quality
Welded Parts
Parts in days anywhere in the USA.
- Reliable & Efficient
- Cost Effective
- Custom Prototypes and End-Use Parts
Quality Matters | AS9100D Certified, ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485:2016, & ITAR Registered
*Not all locations have all certifications and registrations. Parts requiring these will be made at facilities with the correct credentials.
Table of Contents
What is Welding?
This is a process of fabrication that involves the use of heat and pressure to fuse materials, including metals or thermoplastics. The objective is to create a permanent and solid bond between two materials. Welding is essential in various industries, such as construction, automotive, shipbuilding, and aerospace. Different techniques, such as MIG, TIG, spot, and grinding, are used depending on the type of material to be welded and its intended application. It is a skilled trade requiring proper training and expertise to create long-lasting, high-quality joints. It plays a critical role in various manufacturing and maintenance operations. With the advancement of automation, the process is becoming more precise, faster, and safer.
How does Welding work?
In general, it is a process that involves the fusion of two or more pieces of metal by applying heat or pressure. It is vital in manufacturing, constructing, and repairing machinery, buildings, and other structures.
There are different techniques, each with unique features, advantages, and applications.
TIG welding, for instance, uses a tungsten electrode to create an electric arc between the metal and the electrode. The heat produced by the electric arc melts the metal, while a shielding gas protects the weld from contamination, and a filler rod is added to join the metal pieces. TIG welding is suitable for thin materials and producing high-quality welds.
MIG welding, on the other hand, uses a wire electrode to create an arc between the metal and the electrode. The wire electrode melts through the welding gun, and the molten metal is deposited onto the joint to create a strong bond. MIG welding is ideal for thicker materials and can be used on various metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel.
Arc welding is a process that employs an electric current to pass through an electrode to produce intense heat. The heat softens the metal and creates a pool of molten metal that cools and solidifies to form a strong joint. There are several types of arc welding, including shielded metal arc (SMAW), gas tungsten arc (GTAW), and gas metal arc (GMAW), each with its advantages and limitations.
Spot welding is a type of resistance welding that involves pressing two metal pieces together and passing an electric current through them, melting the metal at the point of contact. For instance, the spot is used in the automotive industry to join sheet metal components.
Laser welding is a process that uses a highly concentrated beam of light to fuse metal pieces with precision. Industries such as aerospace and automotive rely on this method for high-quality and efficient welding. Las has many advantages, including faster welding times, complex shapes, and minimal distortion. As a continuously evolving technology, Prototek stays up-to-date with the latest advancements in laser welding.
Weld grinding is smoothing and shaping the welded joint with a grinding wheel. Grinding is an essential step that removes excess metal and shapes the weld to the desired finish. Grinding can be done manually or using automated equipment, depending on the size and complexity of the weld.
Design considerations for Welding.
Welding is an essential joining process that requires careful design considerations to ensure a successful outcome. The design should consider various factors such as the material type, thickness, joint configuration, and weld quality requirements. One important consideration is the selection of the welding process. Factors such as accessibility, position, joint type, and material thickness will determine the appropriate method for a particular application. The joint design should also consider the stresses and loads the joint will face in its service life. Another critical design consideration is the selection of suitable filler materials, which should match or exceed the base material’s strength and corrosion resistance. Our operators also ensure proper equipment maintenance and follow all safety guidelines to achieve the desired results.
Butt Joint
Two pieces of metal are joined at their ends, creating a strong and seamless connection.
Tee Joint
Two materials (usually metal) intersect at a 90-degree angle.
Edge Joint
Two pieces of metal are joined together at their edges.
Corner Joint
Two pieces of metal meet at a 90-degree angle that forms an “L” or corner.
Lap Joint
Two overlapping pieces of metal are welded together to form a strong connection.
Why choose Prototek for your next project?
Prototek is a highly specialized metal fabrication company with years of experience in the industry. We proudly offer advanced technology and high-quality materials to provide fast, precise, and reliable welding services that meet your specifications. Our services include CNC machining, laser cutting, and sheet metal fabrication, all performed with the highest level of skill and precision. We work closely with clients to produce prototypes and custom metal parts quickly and cost-effectively, ensuring we meet your specific requirements and exceed your expectations. At Prototek, we are committed to delivering high-quality work completed on time and within budget. We understand the importance of timely delivery and strive to ensure that our clients receive their orders promptly, no matter how complex or challenging the project. We take pride in delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Our team of skilled professionals is dedicated to providing the best possible service and artistry, and we always go the extra mile to ensure that our clients are delighted with our work. If you are looking for a reliable and experienced metal fabrication company that can deliver the highest quality work, look no further than Prototek. We are your go-to source for all your metal fabrication needs!
