The Importance of Welding in Architecture

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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The architecture and construction industry is responsible for some of the most incredible structures throughout history. Welding was introduced with the onset of the welding machine that helped fuse and connect strong metals together. Welding is the most robust and efficient method to join metals and is heavily used for construction and architecture across the globe.

Some practical applications in architecture range from repairs, stiffeners, beams to endplates, panels, and decking. For architectural and construction sites, welding processes use theory and practical applications that yield precise results. Since the last five decades, architectural applications have seen considerable improvements in productivity thanks to the efficiency of high-quality welding machines and increased welding output. 

Welding techniques like MIG welding, Stick welding, TIG welding, Plasma arc welding, Electron beam and laser welding, and Gas welding are increasingly beginning to feature large-scale architectural constructs across the globe. With such tremendous advantages to output, the scope and usage are poised to grow further. 

Let us look at the importance of welding in architecture.

Welding and its machines are critical to the success of small and large infrastructural projects. Welding is undertaken by skilled operators and is performed only according to pre-set measurements and compliance rules to ensure all joints are welded to maximum strength and durability. The welding must be done expertly to reduce rust and jostling. 

Since architecture is required across industries like oil and gas, transportation, warehousing, manufacturing, and more, welding is critical to industrial, infrastructure, and building sectors. 

Durability

Structural integrity and durability in architecture and infrastructure cannot be emphasized enough. Failure to comply with structural integrity and precise welding measurements can lead to the horrific loss of life. There will also be a severe loss of resources, time, and manpower. 

Architectural structures that should last for decades will come tumbling down without the efficiency, precision, and durability of welding and welding machines. The durability and strength of welding joints allow stakeholders and shareholders to rest assured that there is nothing wrong with the fundamental framework of the architectural and infrastructural models. 

Efficiency

Productivity in construction and infrastructure is critical in saving time, money, and resources. Architectural productivity is judged wholly based on the efficiency of processes. Architectural advancements from the 18th and 19th centuries have been possible only because of the onset of superior welding quality. 

Welding, by itself, is extremely useful in increasing the efficiency of architecture. However, (over the years) there have been different types of welding that have added to a substantial increase in the overall efficiency of projects. 

  • Equipment: Welding equipment helps in increasing efficiency. Some are turning rolls, welding manipulators, automatic wire feeders, welding positioners, welding curtains, welding spats, spot welding guns, and more. 
  • Multi-process Welders: Many welding projects require more than one type of welding machine for the same project. Switching welding machines may not be a good option since there may be other factors like height, the weight of materials, and closeness to electrical points. Multi-process welders are versatile and allow for plasma and TIG welding and MAG/MIG welding for superior efficiency and performance during welding. Combined processes in welding machines help increase the efficiency of work. 

Flexibility

The architectural field has countless fabrication needs. These requirements are some of the reasons why welding and weldments are so critical to architecture. The most crucial one is the flexibility that welding offers. 

Welding techniques are adapted according to the size of the project, material, or work environment. The best part is, there are fabulous welding machines available for each type of work. Metal grades and soldering and joining of different types of metals is also possible with the help of welding. For example, 50 m beams and columns can also be welded, and 10 cm diameter pipes can also be welded. The welding depends entirely on the type of material and the size of the project. 

Cost

There are many manufacturing processes that are extremely expensive. In comparison, welding turns out to be highly cost-effective. High-quality welding machine price points are still lower than several other power tools. In addition, welding machines require much less maintenance than others and do not have high installation costs. 

Most contractors and welders can save thousands of pounds in constantly needing to purchase expensive power tools when welding machines are far more efficient and cost-effective. High-quality welding machines deliver excellent strong welds for a fraction of the cost. 

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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