Welding 101: The Different Types of Torches Used in Welding

Date Posted:20 February 2023

The construction industry uses specialised gear and equipment for specific processes. One example of this is welding, which is a process that involves joining two pieces of metal together using extreme heat. By nature, welding processes are dangerous and require specialised equipment, such as a welding torch.

As the name suggests, a welding torch is a tool that generates a high-temperature flame to melt and join two pieces of metal together. It is typically powered by an oxy-acetylene fuel mixture and comprises a handle and nozzle connected to a fuel and oxygen cylinder. The welder controls the flame by manipulating the knobs on the handle to adjust the fuel and oxygen mixture and is also used to cut metal into desired shapes. However, not all welding torches are the same, and while they are all used to melt and fuse metals, they all work differently. Few people know how they work, so we will discuss the details in this article.

Types of Welding Torches

Welding torches are powered electrically or by gas. Electrical welding requires a special torch that enables the electric current to pass through an electrode and be guided to the welding area. Gas welding torches are designed to direct the flame and manage the different gas mixtures' flow. Different types of torches are crafted to meet the needs of specific welding or cutting tasks.

With this in mind, welding torches are put in the following categories:

Positive pressure-type torches
Injector-type welding torches

How Positive Pressure-Type Welding Torches Work

Also known as equal-pressure or medium-pressure type welding torches, positive-pressure welding torches are a type of welding torch that require a supply of oxygen and fuel gas. The gases are mixed in a chamber and forced out of the torch tip with pressure. The torch body consists of a metallic body, a hand valve, a mixing chamber, and a tip. The hand valve turns the gas on or off, while the handle controls the amount of gas used. The gas is then ignited at the end of the tip, producing a flame that can be used for welding.

Injector-Type Welding Torches

Injector-type welding torches are similar to positive torches on the outside, but their internal mechanism is different. The most notable difference is that injector-type torches can regulate the pressure of acetylene gas, which positive torches cannot do.

An injector torch utilises a higher oxygen pressure than a traditional positive welding torch. This helps to draw out the residue from the cylinder, which results in less waste and better output. The torch also directs the welding electrode into the arc and provides shielding of the arc area to conduct welding power to the electrode.

It is also worth noting that there are different injector-type welding torches, including:

Brazing Torches

Brazing is joining two or more pieces of metal together by melting and flowing a filler metal into the joint. The filler metal has a melting temperature lower than the metals being joined, allowing it to flow and fill the gap between them. The torch's heat is used to melt the filler metal, hardening and bonding the two pieces together.

Brazing offers a precise method of joining together different metals or nonmetals. It is done by using a special torch that does not melt the base joint, making it less susceptible to thermal damage. The result of brazing is a strong, clean joint that does not require any extra finishing work. However, the user must be conscious of the heat produced during the process to ensure that no damage is done to the joint.

Mapp Gas Torches

This torch is an easy-to-use substitute for the more common acetylene flame. It is composed of methylacetylene propadiene propane, meaning "MAPP gas." This gas torch is an excellent option for those who want a reliable flame that is easy to use.

This torch uses a specific type of gas that is colourless in its liquid and gas forms. This gas produces a flame unsuitable for welding but is often used for underwater cutting because it requires high gas pressure. Nevertheless, the cutting process is fast, safe, and used for brazing and soldering when combined with air. This torch is predominantly used for plumbing work and manufacturing refrigerators.

Oxy-Acetylene Welding Torches

Oxy-fuel torches are a type of tool used for welding and cutting metals. They use a mixture of oxygen and fuel gases to generate a flame reaching up to 3480°C. This flame is used for welding and cutting metals and is the only torch that can cut steel.

An oxyacetylene torch is used in many industries to refine or shape various materials. It is often employed in jewellery production, automotive repair, and welding of metals. The torch is used to polish glass and to loosen stuck bolts. It is also a valuable tool for welding various metals together.

Propane Torches

Also known as air-fuel torches, propane torches are an excellent welding tool because they use a mixture of propane and burned oxygen to create a hot, flammable flame necessary for welding.

Propane torches are the perfect tool for tackling any job requiring melting, thawing, or heating. More particularly, propane torches are used for jobs such as melting snow and ice, removing parking lot markings and paint, thawing frozen pipes, pre-heating metals for welding or branding, or melting tar and asphalt.

Conclusion

Welding torches are versatile equipment used in a variety of applications. While not all welding torches are the same, they each have unique characteristics that make them suitable for different tasks. All that matters is selecting the suitable torch for the job you want to accomplish.

If you are looking for welding guns, National Welding and Industrial Supplies has what you need! We offer various welding supplies from different brands to make your welding processing jobs more efficient for affordable prices. Call us today at 02 96045222 to place an order

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