Arc welding and argon arc welding are both fusion welding, but there are obvious differences in many aspects.
The following is a detailed introduction for you:
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Welding principle
Arc welding: generally refers to manual arc welding, with the electrode and the weldment as two electrodes, using the arc heat generated between the electrode and the weldment to locally heat the electrode and the weldment to a molten state. After the electrode is melted, it is used as filler metal to fuse with the liquid weldment metal to form a weld.
Argon arc welding: Argon is used as a shielding gas, which is divided into non-melting electrode (tungsten electrode) argon arc welding and melting electrode argon arc welding. In non-melting electrode argon arc welding, the electrode does not melt, but only serves to conduct electricity and generate arcs, and filler metal is added to the weld through the wire feeding device; in melting electrode argon arc welding, the welding wire is used as an electrode, which continuously melts and transitions into the weld during the welding process. -
Protection method
Arc welding: The gas and slag generated by the decomposition of the electrode coating under the high temperature of the arc protect the weld metal and prevent harmful gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen in the air from invading the weld.
Argon arc welding: Argon is used to form a protective gas layer in the welding area to isolate the air outside the weld. Argon is an inert gas that does not react chemically with metals and is insoluble in metals. It can effectively protect the weld metal from oxidation and nitridation. -
Welding materials
Arc welding: The welding material is mainly welding rods, which are composed of welding cores and coatings. The welding core plays the role of conducting electricity and filling the weld metal, while the coating has the functions of arc stabilization, protection, deoxidation, and alloying. There are many types of welding rods, and the appropriate welding rod can be selected according to different weldment materials and welding requirements.
Argon arc welding: For non-melting electrode argon arc welding, pure tungsten or activated tungsten (such as thoriated tungsten and cerium tungsten) is often used as an electrode; melting electrode argon arc welding uses welding wire as an electrode and filler metal. The composition of the welding wire depends on the weldment material. Argon is used as a shielding gas, and the purity is generally required to be above 99.9%. -
Welding quality
Arc welding: The quality of the weld is greatly affected by the welder’s operating level, and the weld formation is relatively not beautiful, and there may be defects such as pores and slag inclusions. However, with the appropriate welding process and the operation of skilled welders, good quality welds can also be obtained, which is suitable for the welding of general structural parts.
Argon arc welding: Due to the good protection effect of argon gas, it can effectively reduce defects such as pores and slag inclusions in the weld. the weld metal purity is high, the welding quality is good, the weld formation is beautiful, and the mechanical properties are excellent. It is particularly suitable for welding non-ferrous metals (such as aluminum, magnesium, and their alloys), stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, and other materials with high-quality requirements. -
Scope of application
Arc welding: The equipment is simple, and the operation is flexible. It can be welded in various positions. It is suitable for welding various metal materials such as carbon steel and low alloy steel. It is widely used in the welding of general structural parts in construction, bridges, machinery manufacturing, and other industries.
Argon arc welding: It is commonly used for welding non-ferrous metals, stainless steel, heat-resistant steel, and other materials, as well as some occasions with high welding quality requirements, such as aerospace, electronics, chemical industry,y and other industries. When welding thin plates, argon arc welding has obvious advantages, which can accurately control the welding heat input and reduce deformation. -
Cost
Arc welding: The equipment cost is relatively low, the price of welding rods is also relatively cheap, and the overall welding cost is low, which is suitable for large-scale ordinary welding operations.
Argon arc welding: The equipment cost is high, the price of argon gas is relatively expensive, and auxiliary equipment such as wire feeding devices are also required during the welding process, so the welding cost is relatively high.
