Welding Power Sources

An arc welder is a type of welding machine that uses an electric arc to join metal pieces together.

It works by creating an electrical circuit between a welding electrode (also known as a welding rod or filler rod) and the workpiece. When the electrode comes into contact with the workpiece and an arc is struck, and the intense heat generated causes the metal to melt and form a weld pool.

Arc welding is one of the most widely used welding processes due to its versatility, affordability, and ability to produce strong welds on a variety of metals and thicknesses. It is commonly used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, automotive, shipbuilding, and repair and maintenance.

Arc welders come in four main types, including:

1. Stick Welders (SMAW - Shielded Metal Arc Welding): Also known as manual metal arc welding or "stick" welding, this type of arc welding uses a consumable electrode coated in flux. The flux coating melts during welding, creating a protective gas shield and slag layer over the weld pool, which helps to prevent atmospheric contamination and improve the quality of the weld.

2. MIG Welders (GMAW - Gas Metal Arc Welding): MIG welding uses a continuous solid wire electrode fed through a welding gun, along with a shielding gas (typically a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide), to create the arc. MIG welding is known for its versatility, ease of use, and ability to weld a wide range of metals and thicknesses.

3. TIG Welders (GTAW - Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the arc, along with a separate filler material if needed. A shielding gas (typically argon) is used to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. TIG welding is known for its precision, control, and ability to produce high-quality welds on thin materials.

4. Flux-Cored Arc Welders (FCAW): Flux-cored arc welding is similar to MIG welding but uses a tubular wire electrode filled with flux instead of a solid wire. The flux provides a shielding gas when melted, allowing for welding in windy or outdoor conditions where gas shielding may be difficult.

If referring to MMA or stick welding, then yes arc welding is as strong as MIG welding (MIG welding is a form of arc welding). However, it will depend on the quality of the weld produced, which depends on factors including joint preparation, joint design, base metal properties, and welding parameters. 

When deciding which process to use, you should consider the base metal compatibility with the process (material type and thickness), as well as desired welding characteristics and deposition rate required.

A multi-process welder, also known as a multi-process welding machine or welder, is a versatile machine, capable of performing multiple welding processes using a single welding power source. There are multi-process machines available for light duty, and heavy duty/industrial welding applications.

These machines are designed to offer flexibility and convenience by allowing welders to switch between different welding processes without needing separate equipment for each.

So if you find yourself using a combination of welding process like MIG and sub arc for example, it might be beneficial for you to use a multi-process welder.

Overall, multi-process welders offer numerous advantages, including versatility, convenience, space-saving, cost savings, efficiency, and portability.

However, it's essential to carefully consider your specific welding needs, budget, and preferences when choosing a multi-process welder to ensure that it meets your requirements and provides the functionality and performance you need for your welding projects.

Fronius have detailed a great explanation about multiprocess welding machines, you can read it here.