August 2016 - Avon Lake Sheet Metal

Avon Lake Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

August 23, 2016

TIG or MIG Welding – Which is Best?

August 22, 2016

When running a fabrication, manufacturing, or construction business, welding is sometimes necessary. Not only are there are many kinds of metals to weld-some easy, others near impossible-but there are also different welding terminologies. For example, terms like “TIG and MIG welding” are so similar that they are often confused.

SO WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?

MIG welding uses metal inert gas, while TIG welding uses tungsten inert gas. The entire process is actually called gas metal arc welding or GMAW.

Both methods utilize an electric arc and inert gas to shield the arc and keep the welding area clean of contaminants. However, there are important differences. For example, with TIG methods, a tungsten electrode is what provides the electric power for the arc. The electrode is not consumable and the welder usually uses a separate welding rod in the process.

On the other hand, MIG methods utilize electrode materials which are consumable and become part of the weld. The electrode provides electricity for the arc, and acts as a consumable welding rod at the same time. It is continually fed through a spool of wire that is usually made from copper-coated steel.

WHICH METHOD IS EASIER?

MIG welding is much easier to perform than TIG. It doesn’t require the same degree of skill and can be done with one hand. In fact, this process is used by many welding robots and automated welding systems today.

WHAT KINDS OF METALS CAN YOU WELD?

Both methods are commonly used to weld metals-such as thin sheets of stainless steel and aluminum. For extremely thin sheets however, TIG welding is the preferred method. MIG methods are commonly used on thicker metals like structural steel.

TIG methods are typically used for thin metals because the power can be lowered considerably so the welder does not penetrate all the way through the material.

However, if you are interested in speed, MIG welding wins out. It is a much faster process because the electrode is fed automatically. It will not take long to weld several components of a structure.

Regardless of which welding method is selected, a lot of money can be saved when choosing to outsource some of your welding needs. At Avon Lake Sheet Metal Company, we offer MIG, TIG, and spot welding in addition to our fabrication services. We also provide CNC machining, 3D modeling, and design services.

Visit us today at www.avonlakesheetmetal.com or call (440) 968-5014 to discover what we can do for you.

Important Things to Know about TIG Welding

August 19, 2016

If your business requires welding, a few different welding methods may need to be used. For example, TIG welding is only used in certain situations, and there are several factors to take into consideration when deciding whether or not to use this particular method.

WHAT DOES TIG MEAN?

First of all, TIG stands for tungsten inert gas and can as be referred to as GTAW or gas tungsten arc welding. In order to weld, an arc is created by a constant flow of electricity. This arc is then shielded by an inert gas, like helium or argon. Intense heat is applied to both the metal and the rod to form a tight weld. It is particularly effective for thinner sheets of metal, such as:

Stainless steel
Aluminum
Bronze
Magnesium

Furthermore, GTAW is a better alternative to torch welding because it doesn’t require as much expertise. However, it still takes considerable skill and knowledge to weld properly. GTAW also tends to be effective because the electric arc provides better control over the process than a torch. But since there are so many different options, it takes a considerable amount of practice and training to get it right.

TIG WELDING TIPS

It’s important to know all parts of the unit. During the welding process the following should be used:

Work lead
Lead cable
TIG torch
Gas line
Gas bottle with a regulator

KEEP EVERYTHING CLEAN

Cleanliness is absolutely essential if you want to create the strongest possible weld. A special brush should be used on aluminum and not for any other metals. It is best to keep one brush for stainless steel and another for aluminum, and it is especially important not to use brushes that were previously used on rusty steel or iron.

DON’T PUT YOUR TUNGSTEN TIP INTO THE WELD PUDDLE

This is a common mistake and can be extremely frustrating. Once the tungsten enters the puddle, it becomes contaminated and the process needs to be stopped. In order to restart the entire process, the arc assembly must be dismantled, and the tungsten must be grinded down. If the welding process is not stopped, the arc will not stay in one place during the weld.

CONSIDER PROFESSIONAL HELP

Because TIG welding requires special equipment, training, practice, and knowhow, a professional fabrication company should be considered. They will not only save you a great deal of time and headaches, but they can also increase your shop efficiency.

Avon Lake Sheet Metal Company provides a wide range of welding services. Visit us at www.avonlakesheetmetal.com or call (440) 968-5014 for more information.

HVAC Contracting Services: Tips for Hiring a Reputable HVAC Service Provider

August 16, 2016

Commercial and industrial projects that require HVAC contracting services can involve a huge investment, one that requires research before hiring an HVAC contractor. If your air conditioning system needs servicing, replacements, or repairs, there are a few things you should know before hiring an HVAC contractor.

HVAC CONTRACTING SERVICES

At Avon Lake Sheet Metal, we provide our customers with industrial contracting and HVAC contracting services. Cleveland customer can count on the quality services we provide. We are a full-service HVAC contractor that offers:

Duct Fabrication and Installation
HVAC Contracting Services
HVAC System Service and Repair
Turn-Key HVAC System Design and Installation

As well, we have worked with our sister company, Northern Refrigeration Systems, for more than 40 years. Our combined capabilities and experience enable us to fulfill any HVAC project with speed and efficiency.

DO: ASK FOR PROOF OF INSURANCE AND BONDING

Without insurance and bonding, you will not be compensated for any items or property that damaged by the company. In addition to asking for insurance proof, you may also verify the documents with the proper licensing officials.

DON’T: HIRE NON-CERTIFIED HVAC PROVIDERS

Any HVAC provider that performs work for you should be properly certified. Non-certified providers can do the work, but lack the certification to back up their skills. To avoid problems, always hire certified providers.

DO: REQUEST AN ESTIMATE

An estimate will give you a clear idea of your project’s cost. When comparing estimates, it’s not necessarily the lowest estimate that equals the best option – although it could be. The quality and track record of the company and its experience handling your type of project successfully are also very important.

DON’T: HIRE A HVAC COMPANY THAT DOES NOT UTILIZE THE BEST EQUIPMENT

Do not be talked out of a purchase by a company that does not carry the brand you want. In fact, if you are set on a certain type of brand, only receive bids from companies that carry it. Otherwise, you will waste both the company’s time and your time.

Many HVAC contractors specialize in selling only one brand of HVAC system, which can have its pros and cons. If you use a reputable contractor, you can rely on the company to have a good knowledge of the products they sell. More often times than not, these contractors have had some training, through the manufacturer, on how to install the system and on how the actual unit operates.

Doing business with our team at Avon Lake Sheet Metal for your HVAC needs can make a significant difference in the experience, service and product you receive.