Arc Welding Basics

Arc welding is a common process in today’s industry. A simplified description of welding would be the melting together of two or more metals through an intense heat process.  The result can be a product that equals or surpasses the strength of the original.

Welding requires a heat source or power source to create the required heat to fuse the pieces together.  Arc welding is one of the most popular forms of welding in use today. An electric arc is used to create the heat required to melt the materials together. This is where the name arc welding comes from.
Where two or more materials are placed together to be welded, it is referred to as a joint. An electrode rod is used to move along that joint to create the heat producing arc, and to fill the joint as it is melted.

Arc welding basically creates an electrical circuit. The arc welder needs a power source or power supply. The metal you are welding becomes part of the electrical circuit through the grounding cable you attach from the arc welder. The other end of the circuit is completed through the electrode attached to the welder or power supply. The arc is created between the metal and the electrode when the electrode is touched to the metal. Commonly called “striking an arc”.  Once the arc is started, the electrode is moved slightly away from the joint. The arc then completes the electrical circuit. Extreme heat is produced. This allows the fusing of metals.  

In the creation of the arc, an extremely bright light is also produced.  This light is dangerous to the naked eye, and so darkened eye protection must be used by all who can directly see the arc.  Never look into the arc without proper eye protection.

Welding shields or barriers are often used to block out the bright light to protect those in the general area without proper eye protection.
When proper safeguards are used, arc welding is a productive, safe method for fusing metal.  It is one of the pillars of modern manufacturing.  With proper training and practice, one can become a proficient welder who can successfully do general, basic welding.