How Can the Changing Dynamics of Welding Consumables Benefit Your Business?

Highlights:

• Introduction
• Types of stick electrodes and their applications
• Use-cases of welding fluxes
• Growth of the welding consumables industry in Asia-Pacific region
• Latest developments in the industry

Welding is one of the key processes in some of the core sectors of the economy, including manufacturing, construction, mining, power generation, etc. It is a process in which two or more metal parts or thermoplastics are joined together using heat, pressure, or both. An essential component of the welding process is welding consumables; these materials, apart from filling gaps in the metals, also make vital contributions to the welding process. The main function of these materials is to establish a strong bond between the parent metals, thus ensuring stability and durability of the metal weld.

Why should your business invest in stick electrodes?

Welding consumables are of different types; the nature of welding process defines the type of consumable to be used. Of all the main types of welding materials, stick electrodes have become the most preferred materials. Stick welding is a widely used type of welding that creates an arc between the parent metal and the electrode. Due to this characteristic feature, stick welding is also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or flux shielded arc welding.

Stick electrodes have evolved tremendously in the past few decades and various types of electrodes have been developed. American Welding Society has classified stick electrodes into seven categories viz., E6010, E6011, E6012, E6013, E7014, E7018, and E7024. E6010 stick electrodes use DC power source and offer deep penetrating arc. E6011 offers similar functionality as E6010, just that E6011 is powered by AC power source. E6012 stick electrodes are used for high-speed, high-current welds which have shallow penetrating arcs. On the other hand, E6013 has a moderate penetrating arc and is generally used for new metal sheets.

E7014 stick electrode has similar penetration power as E6012; however, these electrodes are used for welding low-alloy steels. E7018, on the other hand, is used for welding strong and thick structural steels as it has a high impact even in the coldest of environments. E7024 has a unique functionality because they are used for flat fillet welds. This widespread applicability of electrodes, especially stick electrodes, is anticipated to help the electrodes segment of the welding consumables industry to rise at a CAGR of 5.4% by 2032.

Increasing prominence of fluxes in the welding consumables industry

The changing requirements of welding processes have necessitated the use of unique welding consumables such as fluxes. These consumables are used to generate shielding gas around the welding pool for preventing oxidation of the metals. While creating a welding arc, the flux burns, thus producing a shield gas. The shield gas covers the molten metal from atmospheric impurities and prevents the welding pool from becoming porous. Also, fluxes have ionizing agents in them, that stabilize the arc and impart ductility and tensile strength to the weld.

Why are welding consumable companies in the Asia-Pacific region making huge profits?

On the basis of region, Asia-Pacific accounted for the highest market share in the welding consumables industry in 2022 and is set to rise at a CAGR of 6.0% in the 2023-2032 period. Naturally, welding material manufacturers in Asia-Pacific have generated huge profits in the past few years. There are several reasons behind the growth of the industry in this region. The rapid pace of industrialization and urbanization in different countries, especially China and India, has increased the demand for welding processes and welding consumables. The developing countries of South Asia and South-East Asia have invested heavily in public infrastructure such as rails, roads, bridges, and tunnels which have pushed the demand for welding materials.

Along with this, the automobile industry in the Asia-Pacific region is growing with each passing day, which has ballooned the profits of welding businesses. The EV revolution will further expand the scope of the welding materials industry substantially. Moreover, innovations and technological advancements in welding technology are set to help welding business flourish in this region.

Capitalizing on the opportunities presented by technological advancements in the industry

The emergence of advanced arc welding techniques is set to revolutionize the welding industry. Most of the manufacturing and construction industries have shifted to this new set of techniques for improving the quality and durability of the welding pool. Techniques such as magnetic arc welding and friction welding are being increasingly used by automobile manufacturers owing to growing emphasis on aesthetics. One major problem with traditional arc welding is the high incidence of porosity which reduces the strength of the weld. Magnetic arc welding and friction welding, due to their high speeds, bring down the incidence of porosity drastically. Advanced arc welding techniques have, hence, grabbed the attention of many welding businesses.

To conclude, welding electrodes and fluxes are expected to dominate the welding consumables industry in the coming period. The massive expansion in infrastructure activities in the Asia-Pacific region will help welding businesses prosper in the next few years. The advent of innovative techniques such as advanced arc welding will present numerous growth opportunities to welding companies.

For in-depth analysis of the changing dynamics of the welding consumables industry, feel free to contact us.

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