Different Types of Welding Torches
Welding torches are widely used for joining two or more metals together. It gives a permanent grip. Welding torches are extensively used in large factories and industries for manufacturing machines. Some of the common industries are the aerospace industry, refrigerator industry, automobile factory, etc. Here is a brief description of some categories of welding torches that are popular for welding works.
Various Categories of Welding Torch
Welding torches are one of the essential welding apparatus. In electrical welding, the torch serves the electric flow to the electrode, and the shielding gas is carried to the welding arch’s zone. And in gas welding, the torch conducts the gas mixture and guides the gas flame.
There are distinctive types of welding and cutting torches. Each of them is manufactured to serve different purposes. Types of welding torches are classified in a very diverse way. One of the most common types of torches based on human usage are:
- Positive pressure type;
- Injector type.
Positive Pressure Type Welding Torch
These are some of the most common types of torches used. They are also known as equal pressure type or medium pressure type welding torch.
In positive pressure torches, a supply of oxygen and fuel gas is required. These gases burn at the end of the torch’s tip, and a flame is produced.
The torch body consists of a metallic body, hand torch valve, mixing chamber, and finally, a tip. The body is designed in such a way that there is a required amount of supply of oxygen and fuel gases. Then pressure is created when the energy is forced into the mixing chamber.
The hand valve is located either beside the hose or at the end of the torch body. The handle is used to turn on or to shut off the gas.
The mixing chamber is located inside the body of the torch. Mainly energy is produced here. Read more: Top Rated Dab Torches Analysis
Injector Type Welding Torch
Externally they have so many similarities with the positive type of torches. But the internal mechanism of injector types is different. The main feature is the unique capability of controlling low acetylene pressure.
An injector torch can draw out the residue from the cylinder. It helps a lot to reduce wastage. Positively pressured torches cannot do this.
The oxygen pressure in these torches is operated much higher than the positive torches. So the best output can be found by using this definite type of torch.
Welding torches are used to direct the welding electrode into the arc, conduct welding power to the electrode, and provide shielding of the arc area.
Basically, there are three different techniques to use welding torches. They are soldering, brazing, and welding fittings & pipes.
Based on the usage in plumbing industries and soldering, brazing, there are mainly four kinds of welding torches. They are:
- Propane torches.
- Brazing torches.
- Mapp Gas Torches.
- Oxy-Acetylene Welding torches.
Propane Torches
They are identified as air-fuel torches. Because here, a mixture of propane and oxygen is used.
This mixture, when burnt, produces a flammable heat, which is required for the welding process. This feature makes it environment friendly.
Propane torches are best for melting snow and ice, removing parking lot markings and other paint removals, thawing frozen pipes and equipment, pre-heating metals for welding or branding, melting tar and asphalt. Read more: How to Choose the Best Plastic Welder
Brazing Torches
It is a process of joining two or more metals by melting and flowing filler metal to the joint. The melting point of the filler metal should be lower than the linking metal.
Brazing torches are used to join two or more metals together with considerable strength.
Brazing accords tighter control and produces a clear joint without the requirement of secondary finishing. Any kind of metal and nonmetals can be brazed by using this torch.
These torches produce less thermal distortion since they don’t melt the base joint while working.
But under high temperatures, brazed joints can get damaged. So the user must be conscientious while working with it.
Mapp Gas Torches
The name of this particular gas torch comes from its original chemical composition, which is methylacetylene propadiene propane. This torch is an easy alternative to acetylene.
The definite gas used in this torch is colorless in both gas and liquid form. The flame produced from this gas is not actually very much appropriate for welding. But it is widely used for underwater cutting. And high gas pressure is required to do it. But the cut is fast and safe. It is also used in combustion with air for brazing and soldering.
This torch is very much famous for plumbing works and manufacturing of refrigerators.
Oxy-acetylene Welding Torches
A mixture of oxygen and fuel gases is mainly used in this type of torches to create flame for welding. The mixture is commonly called oxy-fuel.
With oxy-fuel, both welding and cutting can be performed. Oxy fuels are used to weld and cut metals under very high temperatures. The flame produced from oxy-fuel torches can yield up to 3480 degrees Celsius. It is the only torch that can cut steel.
Oxyacetylene torches are widely used in glass industries for polishing. In jewelry production for water welding the metals. In automotive repair for removing seized bolts. In platinum works and in electric furnaces.
There are two types of oxy-acetylene welding torches. They are:
- Positive pressure type welding torch;
- Injector type welding torches;
Brief descriptions of both of them are discussed above earlier.