Welding is an essential part of the automotive industry and is used in many areas of automotive repair, from repairing body panels to fixing exhaust systems. Without welding, it would be nearly impossible to keep cars on the road. At nexAir, we can help you keep moving forward, allowing you to Forge Forward in all that you take on. Keep reading as we use our KnowHow to discuss some of the common uses of welding in the automotive industry. 

 

Body Panel Repairs

 

One of the most common uses of welding in the automotive industry is for auto body repairs. Vehicles can sustain damage from accidents, everyday wear and tear and outdoor weather conditions. The welding process is used to repair or replace any damaged panels to help restore not only the vehicle’s appearance but also its structural integrity. Body panel repairs can be performed using a variety of welding techniques and practices such as, MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and spot welding. 

 

What is MIG, TIG & Spot welding? 

 

MIG welding is the most widely used welding technique in automotive repair. It is a relatively simple process and can be defined as a process in which a continuous solid wire electrode is heated and fed into the weld pool, joining two base materials together. This can be done via a handheld torch. 

 

TIG welding, on the other hand, is a more advanced form of welding that is used for more precision welding and repairs. The process produces higher quality welds and is completed by using a consumable tungsten electrode with a shielding gas fed through a supply line, while a separate, hand-held filler rod is manually fed through the weld pool. 

 

Spot welding, also known as resistance spot welding, is a resistance welding process. The process is completed by joining metal surface points together by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current. This process is commonly used in automotive assembly to join body panels and other components. It is also used in automotive repair for repairing or replacing damaged panel sections.

 

Welding can also be used for other reasons in the automotive industry such as: 

 

• Exhaust system repairs
• Suspension system repairs
• Automotive fabrication 
• Repair and maintenance 

 

Welding is a critical component to the automotive industry allowing mechanics to restore the appearance and structural integrity of vehicles, ensuring that they are safe and reliable for years to come. At nexAir, we provide the automotive industry with the gases and tools that they need in order to Forge Forward in their day to day tasks. If you are interested in getting set up with your own steady supply, please reach out today!