Welding and cutting encompasses machinery and equipment for the thermal joining and separation of metallic materials. The processes differ according to the type of energy, shielding gas and application.
The main processes are MIG/MAG welding (gas-shielded welding, the most versatile method), TIG welding (tungsten inert gas, high-quality welds for stainless steel and aluminium), electrode welding (traditional, for construction sites), plasma cutting (for medium sheet thicknesses), laser welding and cutting (highest precision), as well as spot and projection welding for car body construction.
Common manufacturers include Fronius, Lincoln Electric, ESAB, EWM, Kemppi, Lorch, Cloos, Miller, Migatronic, OTC Daihen, TRUMPF (laser) and Hypertherm (plasma).
Welding machines are used in steel and metal construction, in bodywork construction and vehicle repair, in the shipbuilding industry, in plant and container construction, in pipeline construction, in metalworking shops, as well as in training companies and welding training.