History of Arc Welding

Arc welding is the process of creating an electric arc between two points, then using the heat generated by that arc to melt metal. In modern times, it is a widespread technique due to its low cost and effectiveness. Although it is a common and vital piece of technology in the modern world, it is hardly a new invention. The technology has been around for more than two centuries.

Origins

The electric arc was discovered in 1808 by British inventor Humphry Davy. Although the technology was primitive by modern standards, it laid the foundation for future developments.

Improving Technology

Metal electrodes were incorporated into arc welding in the late nineteenth century by Russian inventor N.G. Slavianoff, and British inventor A.P. Strohmenger developed coated electrodes, which stabilized the electric arc.

World War I

There was a great surge in construction technology during the First World War, arc welding included. British shipbuilders used arc welding to replace riveting during ship construction.

World War II

During the Second World War and the period directly after, several new arc welding techniques were developed, including submerged arc welding, tungsten arc welding and gas metal arc welding, which allowed for quicker welding of ironless metals.

Post-War Developments

During the 1950s, there were several new developments in arc welding, such as flux-core welding, which was an automatic, and thus less labor-intensive, process. Electroslag welding, an efficient technique for welding thicker materials, became prevalent in the late 1950s when General Motors began using the process to make engine blocks.