In the welding process, it is common to encounter different types of specializations and roles, each with its own functions and responsibilities.
Two of the most common positions in this industry are general welder and pressure welder. Although both jobs share some skills and tools, there are certain differences in the type of work. Below, we will learn about the main differences that exist between the position of a welder and the position of a pressure welder.
Applications and work areas
The applications and work areas of the General welders and pressure welders have the following differences:
Welders
Generally, professionals who occupy the position of welder can work in the area of infrastructure construction such as bridges, buildings, and pipes, in addition to the manufacture of automotive parts, machinery, and tools in different industries.
Pressure welders
Pressure welders typically work in specialized industries such as aerospace, marine, petrochemical, refineries, and energy storage, among others, where they may perform maintenance, repair, and manufacturing of parts or machines that must withstand extreme pressures and temperatures, such as aircraft parts, spacecraft, pipes, industrial boilers, and pressure vessels.
Techniques and methods
The techniques and methods used by professionals in the position of welder and pressure welder have the following differences:
Welder
Welders generally apply heat to melt and fuse metals, using methods such as MIG (metal inert gas) welding, TIG (tungsten inert gas), and arc welding, through which they generate an electric arc between the electrode and the metal, which raises the temperature of the metals until they melt, thus forming a weld bead that cools. solidifies and creates the union.
Pressure welder
Pressure welders apply heat and pressure, through this type of combination they manage to forge metals obtaining a stronger, more durable welding joint without melting the base metal. To achieve this result, they use resistance welding, friction welding, or forge welding methods, which consist of raising the materials to high temperatures and applying significant pressure to forge them.
Equipment and technology
The equipment and technology used by professionals in the position of welder and pressure welder have the following differences:
Welder
Generally, the equipment and technology used by professionals in the welding position meet the needs required by the welding method. traditional. For this reason, they make use of welding torches, electrodes, and protective gases to protect the welding area from atmospheric contamination.
Pressure welder
Pressure welders use specialized equipment and technology that combines heat and pressure. These include hydraulic presses, which can apply a high level of pressure that allows hot metals to be joined without melting them. Another notable piece of equipment is resistance welding machines, which allow parts to be joined by “passing current” through the metals as pressure is applied.
Training and Certification
The level of training and certification for welder and pressure welder positions differs as follows:
Welder
The professional who occupies the position of welder generally has a level of training that gives him the skills and technical knowledge necessary to carry out the welding process, which allows him to weld and manipulate specific materials. However, the welder must have certifications that endorse him to be able to carry out various welding processes.
Among the most notable certifications are those awarded by organizations such as the American Welding Society (AWS): Certified Welder (CW) or Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).
Pressure welder
The professional who occupies the position of pressure welder must have advanced training, which allows him to perform high-pressure welding techniques and comply with certain quality and safety standards of the sector. However, in order to carry out this type of specialized process, the professional must have specific certifications for pressure welding, among which the ASME Section IX Certification of boilers and pressure vessels stands out, among others.
What do you think about this topic? Do you want to know more about welding jobs?
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