What are five common mistakes to avoid when welding?

The global welding industry was worth $20.99 billion in 2021. With a projected 4.6% compound annual growth rate from 2021 to 2028, the industry is expected to be worth $28.66 billion by 2028. 

To remain competitive in a sector with such a promising future, you must cover all your bases and minimize avoidable mistakes and neglect. 

At nexAir, we have used our KnowHow™ to prepare a detailed list of welding information to help you streamline operations. These resources enable you to Forge Forward, build on your craft, and take your business to the next level.

Failing to Prepare and Clean Weld Properly

Regardless of how high-quality your welding materials are, it’s still essential to set aside time to prepare them before beginning the actual operations. Clean the base material to eliminate contaminants, check for damaged cables to prevent inconsistent weld quality, and ensure there are no excessive gaps along the weld joints.

Of course, you must clean the metal afterward to ensure it’s in top condition. This means using the proper solvent to remove impurities from the weld joint.

Improper Use of Shielding Gas

You can prevent weld defects and reduce post-weld rework costs by researching and investing in the right type of shielding gas. For example, straight carbon dioxide is ideal for carbon steel weld penetration, while argon-and-carbon-dioxide mixtures are more suitable for spray-transfer applications. 

As another example, the appropriate argon-and-helium mixture can speed up and improve the quality of TIG welding.

Repurposing Old or Damaged Equipment

Some business owners assume they can save on operational costs by repurposing old equipment. However, this isn’t usually the case. No matter how well-maintained, old equipment cannot meet current demands or catch up with advanced technologies. As a result, repurposing dated equipment and making them work alongside newer technology can lead to more downtime and higher costs.

Disregarding Preventive Maintenance

It doesn’t matter how skilled your operators are or how careful they are with the equipment—you still can’t ignore preventive maintenance if you want to maintain smooth welding operations. Routine care and inspection of welding guns, power sources, and related equipment ensure that you are performing at optimal power and productivity. 

Regular preventive maintenance can effectively reduce operations costs and minimize unscheduled downtime.

Skipping Training and Refresher Courses

Even the most highly trained and experienced welders need training and refresher courses once in a while. They should keep up with the latest welding technologies, tools, and trends to keep your business competitive. 

You can also promote greater teamwork by letting your welders undergo training and refresher opportunities together.

Know More About Welding Best Practices at nexAir

At nexAir, we provide everything you need to take your welding business to the next level. We’re your go-to source of industry knowledge, premium gas products, quality welding supplies, and industry technology and techniques in the Southeast.

We’ve been around since 1940, and our team continues to develop and improve our arsenal of products and resources.  Contact us today, and we will help position your business toward a successful and sustainable future!