Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
(OP)
Can anyone tell me what weld processes are most commonly used for shop welding and field welding of structural steel in the United States?






RE: Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
RE: Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
For large, automated welding applications (such as fabricating plate girders or tanks), Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) is commonly used in the shop.
Other shop processes are Electric Resistance Welding (ERW) for welding seamed pipe and similar applications, Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) commonly called "TIG" welding, and a variety of other specialized processes. GTAW is used for finer welding of thin sheets, welding non-ferrous metals like aluminum, and for making root passes of critical welds.
Field welding is most commonly done using the SMAW process. It requires no wind breaks, is done with relatively simple equipment and the welding variables can be controlled more easily than other processes. FCAW can be used in the field. GMAW can also be used in the field provided wind and drafts can be controlled so that shielding gas is not blown away. GTAW has similar issues to GMAW when used in the field.
A couple of good references....AWS Structural Welding Code-Steel (AWS D1.1) and other AWS structural codes, and a primer on welding that was published by the Lincoln Welding Foundation titled "Metals and How to Weld Them".
RE: Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
I'd just say try to avoid GMAW and GTAW in the field, or use the necessary precautions as the shielding is very important.
Also, be aware there's still a few dozen other processes available, some a bit more exotic than others.
RE: Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
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Providing fabrication and erection efficient structural design of connections. Consulting services for structural welding and bolting.
RE: Most common welding processes for shop welding and field welding?
I normally don't care about which process is used. But apparently it matters for flare bevel groove welds.