We offer equipment and supplies for all of the following ARC processes.  Visit our stores or call 1-800-225-8247 for more expert advice.

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) / Stick Welding is the most widely used welding process in the world. The equipment cost is low and can be portable: it can be done in areas of limited access, in all positions and it is a viable process for joining most metals and alloys. Low hydrogen (LH) mild steel electrodes are the most commonly used and since stick electrodes readily absorb moisture (which will detrimentally effect weld quality), they should be stored in an electrode oven before use.

Stick welding is typically done with DC current, either electrode positive or negative, but can also be used with AC current. Electrode positive produces higher penetration patterns and typically operates better, but electrode negative results in the highest melting rate. Electrodes with high magnetic properties can experience arc blow with DC current and may be welded with AC setting. These include iron and nickel alloy rods.

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) / MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas) is used to weld most commercially available metals, including mild, low alloy and stainless steels, nickel alloys, aluminum, copper alloys, and others. The filler metal used is chosen according to procedure or job to ensure it chemically matches the base metal being welding. It is useful in most positions, and with specific procedures is suitable for overhead. It is usually performed with reverse polarity, (DCEP). MIG welding incorporates the automatic feeding of a continuous, consumable wire electrode that is shielded by an externally supplied gas. MIG welding is the most popular process as it is the easiest to learn.

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) / TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas) / Heliarc Welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert shielding gas to produce the highest quality welds of any open arc welding process. Welds produce no slag or spatter and require little or no post weld cleaning. TIG is easily used in all welding positions and provides excellent weld puddle control, especially on thin and intricate parts. It is extensively used in the aircraft and aerospace industries as well as the power generating, chemical, and petroleum industries due to their use of specialty and exotic metals.

Plasma Arc Cutting (PAC) is ideal for many industrial applications. It incorporates the use of a highly constricted, ionized stream of gas (usually compressed air) and can cut any electrically conductive metal. Praxair provides a wide variety of plasma machines and a complete line of accessories and consumables.

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) / Subarc Welding uses a continuous, consumable wire electrode that is shielded by flux. The flux acts to stabilize the arc during welding and shields the molten pool from the atmosphere. Unlike other processes, the final weld chemistry is impacted by both the flux and consumable selection, together, which should be closely matched to the base material being welded.