What is zirconiated tungsten used for? Zirconiated tungsten electrodes are generally used to weld metals whose surfaces have a higher melting point than the subsurface metals underneath. This type of tungsten is most widely used to weld aluminum using alternating current (AC). Zirconiated tungsten is also excellent at resisting contamination….
ARC MACHINES, INC.®
Articles on cutting-edge welding technologies, orbital welding best practices, and the latest welding accessories
Pressure vessels have been around since the dawn of the industrial revolution. They can be used to store a higher volume of products than would be possible at normal atmospheric pressure, and since pressurization lowers boiling points, pressure vessels can also be used to process—cook—products more quickly or for a…
Data is what makes much of the modern world run. Data analysis is increasingly being used in industries to refine designs, develop more efficient procedures, and improve the quality of work overall. Welding is no different. Weld process data capture enables the storage of in-depth information about how welds are…
The properties of tungsten change when it is alloyed with thorium. For instance, a thoriated tungsten electrode has a greater current carrying capacity than pure tungsten. This allows it to carry more heat and reduces the potential for tungsten inclusions. It also makes a weld arc easier to start and…
Welders who have bought inexpensive hobby TIG welding machines to use at home may have noticed that while these machines start strong, they struggle to put out heat after an hour or so of work. When this happens, welding will be distinctly harder, requiring slow travel speeds and long dwell…
The welding process balances heat, electricity, and metallurgy in a complex interplay. The result is a nearly contiguous extension of the metal substrate across the joint. The welding process is a marvel that has made much of what we take for granted possible: goods delivered to us via ships, electric…
Analytics is a hot topic in every industry these days. Advances in networking have made it possible to capture data of all kinds, such as customer interactions with websites and their buying behavior as well as data concerning workers’ habits and their productivity. This data, in turn, is used to…
One of the most exciting new developments in technology is the Internet of Things (IoT), or the connection of smart devices to the global network of the internet. The possibilities of this sort of integration are staggering when applied to consumer devices. In industry, the possibilities are nearly limitless. IoT…
In spite of the name, welding power supplies are not typically the source of electrical power for arc welding. Instead, they are power inverters and transformers that work by converting the electrical power from a building’s power or a generator into a current type that is suitable for the welding…
A valuable academic lesson is to ask a group of students to write instructions for making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They will leave steps out, assuming that whoever follows the instructions will be able to fill in the gaps. Inevitably, when the most literal possible interpretation of the…