As you look at the buildings, vehicles, and other complex structures that surround you, do you ever think about how they were built? If the structure contains any metal, chances are that welding played a huge part in the construction.
Welding is the process of joining different metal parts. Welders use powerful equipment to create a seamless bond between these parts.
Here are four notable structures that were made possible by welding:
Surprisingly, craftspeople didn't use welding to combine the various metal parts of the iconic Golden Gate Bridge. The bridge was originally built with 600,000 rivets, according to a 2012 report by ABC News.
Today, however, welding performs a huge role in improving the bridge's integrity and safety. Frequent earthquakes in California, as well as the ocean's salt water, have caused significant damage to the Golden Gate Bridge. Thus, welders are welding a new protective wear plate to the bridge. The welded plates are 10 feet high and 1 ½ inches thick. This protection should prevent corrosion and help the bridge continue to support 125,000 vehicles a day.
The Space Launch System (SLS) is a rocket designed and built through a collaboration between Boeing and NASA. The SLS will be used to send space shuttles out of Earth's orbit. Engineers hope that someday soon it will even send astronauts to Mars.
The Space Launch System is built through an innovative new welding system called the Vertical Assembly Center (VAC). The VAC welds the rocket's domes, barrels, and rings through a unique process called friction stir welding. The friction creates heat, which melts the metal and creates a powerful bond.
The strength of the welds has to be unbeatable in order to safely send some of the most powerful vehicles into outer space.
Today's metal ships are much more durable than wooden ships of the past. It was only in 1920 that craftspeople built the first all-welded ship, the MS Fullagar. Welders used the shielded arc welding technique to build the 620-ton ship. With this technique, welders create an electric current in the shape of an arc. The arc causes the metal to melt; when the metal cools, it creates a secure joint.
The treacherous seas can play a number on weaker vessels, but the strong welds supported the MS Fullagar through its tumultuous days on the sea. In fact, the Advanced Technology Institute tells us that the MS Fullagar sailed for 17 years.
Tesla Motors produces some of the most popular cars of our generation. Tesla cars benefit from a unique welding process that welders borrowed from the innovative rocket company SpaceX. It's easy to see why—entrepreneur Elon Musk is CEO of both Tesla Motors and SpaceX.
To weld Tesla cars, welders use friction stir welding, an interesting technique. Rather than melting the metal, Tesla and SpaceX workers use a machine that softens the metal on both sides of the joint. This technique allows welders to not lose as much of the metal and also creates a structure that's lighter and stiffer.
Tesla's unique welding process creates the car's chassis and body, leading to a lighter vehicle.
If you see a strong bridge, a rocket, a ship, a car, or another structure, there's a strong possibility that welding has contributed to its integrity. New innovations in welding are improving welded structures' safety and performance.
