- Firepower welders are often utilized on steel and in the automotive trade.welder image by Allyson Ricketts from Fotolia.com
Welding is a fabrication process that fuses two pieces of material together. The process usually requires heat to be applied to one fraction of the material before joining it to the other, and the most common materials used in this application are metals such as steel or aluminum or thermoplastic. Firepower welding is a variation of this process that is best suited to automotives, industrial machinery and steel products due to increased requirements for power output and durability. Firepower welders will utilize thermostatic control and variable wire speeds to help improve performance and longevity. - Although firepower welders have built-in safety features to regulate performance, there are important pieces of safety equipment that need to be purchased separately to ensure safe practice. This equipment is available in two types; to protect against contact with flames and also to protect the eyes and skin against non-contact hazards. Leather gloves and specifically designed long-sleeved jackets are widely sold to prevent burns and damage to the hands and arms. Goggles require a dark face plate to protect the eyes against the brightness of the welding process that can cause inflammation to the cornea and the retina through prolonged exposure. Helmets designed with attached goggles and a built-in face plate are available at a greater cost.
- There are numerous types of shielding gas suitable for use with firepower welders, but these are not traditionally sold with the welding kit as their application is optional and often dual-purpose. The purpose of shielding gas is to protect the weld area from elements and contamination in the natural environment, which can lead to porosity and defects in the metal and the finished product once welded. Different types of shielding gas are best suited to different requirements, due to variable properties that can assist either the appearance of or the strength of the weld. For example, straight Co2 gas provides the most effective protection against corruption and atmospheric pollution, but provides a poor finish for the welded area. In contrast, shielding gases that boast the combined elements of Co2 and helium produce excellent protection and a smooth welded surface.
- A rigid fixture is important when welding to ensure the integrity of the finish.technical weld image by Brenton W Cooper from Fotolia.com
When using a firepower welder, it is important to ensure that the work is clamped securely in a single position to ensure the integrity of the weld finish. A rigid fixture will keep the material fixed in relation to the welding gun and the join, as any deviation can not only distort the appearance but also the durability and strength of the welded joint. The material must also provide accessibility for the welding gun to maximize the penetration of the joint and also a smooth fusion between the surfaces of the materials involved.
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