Other Welding Processes
Thermite welding: Thermite welding uses a chemical reaction to produce intense heat instead of using gas fuel or electric current.
Thermite Welding
Pressure welding: Pressure welding uses heat along with impact-type pressure to join the pieces.
Laser Welding: Laser welding uses a focused beam of light to achieve very precise welds.
Laser Welding
The major hazard of this powerful beam is to the eyes, which can be partially blinded when hit with the beam. Special eye protection must be used, and care must be taken with any reflective surfaces since both the original and reflected beams are extremely dangerous.
Electron Beam Welding: This method uses a focused beam of electrons to produce high precision and deep penetration welds. Since x-rays are produced as a by-product, the process should be enclosed and shielded with lead or other materials suitable for preventing x-ray exposure. All doors, ports, and other openings must have proper seals and should be checked periodically to prevent x-ray leakage.
Operators should wear film badges to detect accidental radiation exposure. The high voltages required also present an electrical hazard.
Robot Welding: Many industries are beginning to use robot welders in place of human workers on the assembly line.
Robot Welding
Robot welding removes workers from the hazard but focuses on job elimination rather than workplace improvements.
Scenario
Read about a real-life welding accident that could have been prevented had the welder properly inspected the equipment he was working with.
An employee was prepping steel using a grinder. He was working by himself on the first level of an oil rig platform sub-base. Another Fitter/Welder was working on the second level of the platform, while the crew supervisor was working on the second level of the platform.
The worker was using a grinder and was standing inside a recessed box, where the oxygen acetylene torch hoses were also present. A leak from the acetylene hose provided the fuel source and a spark from the grinder provided the ignition source for a flash fire to occur.
The fire resulted in serious burns to his legs and feet. He was admitted to the hospital for ten days for burn injuries.
The investigation concluded the fire occurred due to a defective splice on the acetylene hose that allowed the acetylene to leak, causing a fire and the serious injury.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-3. Which type of welding uses a chemical reaction to produce intense heat instead of using gas fuel or electric current?
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