Welding

Welding is a process that uses energy to create a molten puddle of metal to fuse metal together when the molten puddle cools. There are a variety of welding processes that use different ways to create that energy input. At Plummer Industries we use TIG, MIG, and Laser welding. Below is an explanation of each to see how they may be aplicable to your project.

Tungsten Inert Gas welding is a process that uses a "torch" that holds a tungsten electrode that creates an elctrical arc to the workpeice. This Arc creates the "Puddle" of molten metal that is then added to by the operator using their other hand with metal rod.

• Controlable Heat Input – Since the electrical output is tunable we can control exactly how mmuch heat is tranfered into the part. Reducing warping and provding controlable penetration.
• In Process Inspection – Because of the controlablilty of the process the operator will notice and catch defects in the base material right away
• Aluminum – The prefered process for aluminum TIG produces strong clean welds.
• Stainless Steel – The prefered process for Stainless TIG produces welds that have a rainbow coloration that can be passivated with acid if required.
• Aesthetically Pleasing – The weld profile created by tig has the clasic "dimes" that most associate with welding

Metal Inert Gas welding (MIG) is a process that uses a continuously fed wire electrode and shielding gas delivered through a welding gun. An electrical arc is created between the wire and the workpiece, forming a molten weld puddle. The wire is automatically fed into the puddle, allowing the operator to focus on torch positioning and travel speed.

• High Deposition Rate – The continuously fed wire allows for fast material addition, making MIG ideal for thicker sections and high-throughput fabrication.
• Consistent Weld Quality – Automatic wire feed and stable arc characteristics produce repeatable, uniform welds across long seams and production runs.
• Steel Fabrication – MIG is commonly used for mild and carbon steel, providing strong structural welds for frames, brackets, and assemblies.
• Aluminum Capability – With the proper setup (push-pull system), MIG can efficiently weld aluminum components much faster than TIG
• Efficient Production – Faster travel speeds and minimal stopping make MIG well-suited for production environments and cost-effective manufacturing.

Laser Welding is a precision welding process that uses a highly focused laser beam to generate an intense, localized heat source at the joint. The laser rapidly melts the base material to form a weld with minimal heat input to the surrounding area. This allows for extremely accurate weld placement and tight dimensional control.

• Minimal Heat Affected Zone – The focused energy of the laser limits heat transfer into the surrounding material, reducing distortion, warping, and post-weld cleanup.
• High Precision – Laser welding is ideal for tight tolerances, thin materials, and small features where traditional welding processes would introduce excess heat.
• Clean Weld Appearance – Welds are narrow, smooth, and often require little to no finishing, making the process suitable for visible or cosmetic components.
• Dissimilar Materials – The controlled heat input allows certain dissimilar metals to be joined that would be difficult or impractical with conventional welding methods.
• Repeatable & Automated – Laser welding is well-suited for fixtured, automated, and production environments where consistency and repeatability are critical.Ask about our rotary welding automation cell.