Welding into the Future: What to Expect with Advancing Technology

The global welding industry is growing steadily, as recent statistics show. The welding market expanded to $20.23 billion in 2020 and is projected to be worth $28.66 billion by 2028. The welding gear market is expected to grow at a 4.8% compound annual growth rate from 2021 and be worth $15.21 million by the end of 2026. 

Of course, we can’t forget the global market for other welding-related products. It is expected to grow from a $30.5-billion market in 2021 to a $37.2-billion one by 2025.

The advancing technologies in the global welding industry are powering these notable projections. 

But what are these technologies, you ask? Our nexAir KnowHow™ discusses the future of welding to help your business Forge Forward.

Discover Advanced Welding Technologies

In recent years, the welding sector has leveraged high-end technology and sustainable resources to futureproof the industry. 

Let’s explore some of the most advanced welding technologies in use today:

Advanced Arc Welding

Advanced arc welding technology uses electric currents to fuse non-ferrous metals. This is widely used in manufacturing space vehicles and sealing nuclear fuel canisters—the resulting welds are highly resistant to cracking corrosion.

Note that this advanced technology involves two to three types of metals, resulting in strength and stability crucial in automotive and aerospace engineering. The corrosion resistance also makes it ideal for chemical and nuclear welding operations.

Friction Stir Welding

This type of welding does not require filler metals, but it still creates a stable weld of alloys like aluminum. It uses a rotating tool that presses into the materials’ joints, which are then welded together through frictional heat and plastic deformation heat.

Many sectors are interested in leveraging the friction stir welding process because it causes little to no distortion and does not produce fumes or radiation. Moreover, it’s an energy-efficient welding process. 

Automotive businesses use this process for various applications, such as material forgings and joining castings.

Laser Welding

Laser welding technology is widely used in various high-precision manufacturing industries, such as automobiles, airplanes, and high-speed railways. It’s also used to produce electronics, jewelry, home appliances, medical equipment, and other products that use high alloy metals.

Laser welds are highly precise and incredibly clean, and they don’t need further grinding to be ready for end users. This significantly reduces production costs and provides premium products on the first try.

Three welding types can be achieved with this non-contact process: conduction welding, conduction-penetration welding, and keyhole welding. They are all extremely accurate and safe to use in open-air conditions, which are much-needed improvements from traditional welding methods.

Get Ready for the Future of Welding with nexAir

nexAir has been providing welding supplies, knowledge, techniques, and technology in the Southeast since 1940. Here, you’ll find all the products and expert advice you need to streamline your operations and move toward the future that you want for your business. So, let us contribute to your success.

Contact us and make us your trusted welding partner and supplier today!