Soldering vs Welding Flashcards
What is soldering?
The process of joining two or more metal components together using a filler metal (solder)
How does soldering work?
- The metal components are heated using a soldering iron. -
- The solder melts and fills the space between the components forming a bond
What applications is soldering used?
- Electronics: Connecting components on circuit boards and wires
- Plumbing: Joining pipes and fittings
What are the pros and cons of soldering?
Pros:
- Easy to learn and simple process (requires less skill than welding)
- Suitable for electronics
- Low heat required (filler has a lower boiling point than the metals)
Cons:
- Required clean surfaces (flux needed)
- Weaker joints than welds
- Can crack under stress
What is welding?
The process of fusing metals together using heat and pressure
How does welding work?
- Heat is applied to the base metals, causing them to melt.
- Filler metal is added to the weld to strengthen it
- Shielding gas or flux protects the molten metal from oxidation
- The joint cools and solidifies, forming a strong bond
What applications is welding used?
- Construction: bridges, buildings, towers. railings
- Automotive: Car bodies and frames
- Manufacturing: Tools, machinery, robotics
What are the pros and cons of welding?
Pros:
- Robust joints
- Permanent structural connections
- Multiple methods: MIG, TIG, Stick
- Works on thick metals like Steel, Aluminium
Cons
- High temperatures required
- Requires more skill
- Not suitable for electronics
- Ventilation may be required
What is MIG welding?
Metal Inert Gas or Gas Metal Arc Welding is a process that joins metals using a continuous wire electrode and shielding gas
How does MIG Welding work?
An electric arc is formed between a continuously fed wire electrode and the base wire.
The welding gun feeds a mixture of argon and CO2 to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination
What are the pros of MIG Welding?
- Easy to learn: simple process
- Fast welding: continuous wire feed
- Versatile: can be used on various metals
What is TIG Welding?
- Tungsten inert gas welding uses a tungsten electrode to produce the weld.
- Argon and helium are used to prevent contamination on the weld
What are the pros and cons of TIG Welding?
Pros:
- Provides, high quality, precise aesthetic welds
- Suitable for thinner metals
Cons:
- Slow process
- Requires more skills and practice over time
What is stick welding?
The process where an electric arc is created between a flux-covered electrode and workpiece
What are the pros and cons of Stick Welding?
Pros:
- Works well on thicker metals
- Can be used on rusty metals
- Used for farm equipment
Cons:
- Welds aren’t aesthetically pleasing or clean
