Who is a welder

Welder training, work experience, and certification can lead to career opportunities and advancement. Close Search this website. Resources Careers Welders are tradespeople who play an important role in the construction of infrastructure and the manufacture of many products. What Does a Welder Do? Until the end of the 19th century, forge welding was the only method used, but later processes, such as arc welding , have since been developed.

Modern methods use gas flame, electric arc, lasers, electron beam, friction and even ultrasound to join materials. Care needs to be taken with these processes as they can lead to burns, electric shock, damaged vision, exposure to radiation or inhaling of poisonous welding fumes and gases. There are a variety of different processes with their own techniques and applications for industry, these include:.

This category includes a number of common manual, semi-automatic and automatic processes. These techniques usually use a filler material and are primarily used for joining metals including stainless steel, aluminium, nickel and copper alloys, cobalt and titanium.

Arc welding processes are widely used across industries such as oil and gas , power , aerospace , automotive , and more. Friction welding techniques join materials using mechanical friction. This can be performed in a variety of ways on different welding materials including steel, aluminium or even wood. The mechanical friction generates heat which softens the materials which mix to create a bond as they cool.

Friction is frequently used in aerospace applications as it is ideal for joining otherwise 'non-weldable' light-weight aluminium alloys.

Friction processes are used across industry and are also being explored as a method to bond wood without the use of adhesives or nails.

This fusion joining process uses a beam of high velocity electrons to join materials. The kinetic energy of the electrons transforms into heat upon impact with the workpieces causing the materials to melt together.

Electron beam welding EBW is performed in a vacuum with the use of a vacuum chamber to prevent the beam from dissipating. There are many common applications for EBW , as can be used to join thick sections. This means it can be applied across a number of industries from aerospace to nuclear power and automotive to rail.

Used to join thermoplastics or pieces of metal, this process uses a laser to provide a concentrated heat ideal for barrow, deep welds and high joining rates. Being easily automated, the high welding speed at which this process can be performed makes it perfect for high volume applications, such as within the automotive industry. Laser beam welding can be performed in air rather than in a vacuum such as with electron beam joining.

This is a fast process which is commonly used in the automotive industry. This process can be split into two types, resistance spot welding and resistance seam welding. Spot welding uses heat delivered between two electrodes which is applied to a small area as the workpieces are clamped together. Seam welding is similar to spot welding except it replaces the electrodes with rotating wheels to deliver a continuous leak-free weld.

TWI has over half a century of experience in providing industry with engineering technical services. TWI's expertise in electron beam EB processing make it a world leader and ideal partner in the development of products and processes. TWI has a long and rich history of developments in these technologies, we provide a range of services to members looking for guidance or resources. Welding processes are commonly used across a range of industries including aerospace , automotive , energy and construction amongst others.

They like tasks that are tactile, physical, athletic, or mechanical. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if welder is one of your top career matches.

Many welders work a regular hour work week though opportunities for overtime work are frequent due to the demand for welding.

It is estimated that one in five welders work 50 hours or more per seven-day period. They are exposed to a number of welding-related hazards while on the job including the inhalation of gasses and particulates and the danger of falling for construction welders working on high platforms. Some companies employ welders on overnight shifts so that production can continue 24 hours a day, year-round. There is more than one way to become a welder. The selected educational track determines the length of time you will dedicate to the process:.

Before pursuing this occupation, aspiring welders should consider both its demands and the opportunities it presents. Commercial welders must be physically and mentally fit, with excellent hand-eye coordination, and the ability to remain focused on a repetitive task for long periods of time.

Welders are exposed to hot metal, bright lights, and noxious fumes every day. Many jobs involve working around heavy equipment that can cause serious injury.

High school education, along with technical and on-the-job training, is typically required to enter these fields. A certification or other skill credential is attractive to employers. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U. The career video is in the public domain from the U. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Free Career Tests. Powered by Campus Explorer. Skip to content A welder fabricates and puts together metal parts.

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