Key Differences Between TIG Welding and Metal Fabrication

Blog | September 19th, 2017

From the outside looking in the metalworking industry has to be one of the most confusing and oft misunderstood jobs around. Metalworking to the layman is a task that means little more than sparks and saws and cut up metal. Today we are going to explore the difference between two very common metalworking duties that are similar, but not interchangeable: TIG Welding and Metal Fabrication. Without any further ado, let’s jump in and begin the lesson.

What is TIG Welding?

Welcome to the world of acronyms, the first one is on us. The ‘TIG’ in TIG Welding stands for ‘Tungsten Inert Gas’. This refers to the process by which the tools that the welder utilises are powered. TIG Welding, also known as GTAW, was first implemented back in the 1930s as a way to weld thinner metals for usage in War — aluminium and steel, primarily.

TIG Welding operates by feeding an electrical arc from your tungsten electrode onto the surface that you are intending to weld. This is a slow process that is typically used for precision work: kitchen sinks, motorcycles, autobody shops and the like. The reason that TIG Welding is so popular for this list of duties is that it gives you the ultimate control of your power. You can handle the power gently, making sure not to blow through your metal while paying special attention to all of the important details in your project. TIG Welding is more commonly used by steady professionals and it is not advised for usage at home.

What is Metal Fabrication?

Now that you know a little bit about TIG Welding we can introduce you to a larger and slightly broader subject: Metal Fabrication. Metal Fabrication is an umbrella term for a service that you are generally familiar with even if you are not aware of the intimate details. Look around your room. Do you see anything metal or alloy near you? Whatever metal or alloy item you see near you most likely came from the garage of a Metal Fabrication expert — even the small paperclips in your desk drawer.

Metal Fabrication is not to be confused with the art of welding. In fact, welding is a small subset of Metal Fabrication — not the whole. Metal Fabrication is built out of several key steps that lead you from a chunk of metal to a finished product. In the Metal Fabrication a worker will go through dozens of tools in order to shape their material to the exact specifications of their client. The process requires an expertise in design, cutting, machining, and forming — with a little bit of welding knowledge, as well.

Stecor Engineering & Fabrication

1/13 Crawford St, Braeside VIC 3195

Mobile:  0419 562 284
Phone: (03) 9028 4130
Fax:   (03) 8669 4400

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