What Are the Types of Welding?

The Most Common Welding Methods Used in Industry

What Are the Types of Welding?

Welding types refer to the different techniques used to join metals or thermoplastic materials by applying heat, pressure, or a combination of both. Each welding method offers distinct advantages in terms of the equipment used, application areas, welding quality, and cost.
Choosing the right welding method is critical for production quality and achieving long lasting joints.

The Most Commonly Used Welding Types

Electrode (Arc) Welding – MMA

  • Uses a coated electrode
  • Suitable for open-air and field work
  • Requires simple equipment

Commonly preferred in construction, maintenance, and heavy industry.

MIG/MAG Welding

  • Continuous wire-fed welding method
  • Provides high speed and efficiency
  • Suitable for automation 

Frequently used in automotive, mass production, and manufacturing lines.

TIG Welding

  • Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode
  • Provides high weld quality and precision
  • Ideal for thin materials

Preferred for stainless steel, aluminum, and precision manufacturing.

Gas Welding

  • Uses oxygen and combustible gases 
  • Portable and simple method
  • Limited heat control 

Generally used for repairs and small-scale applications.

Plasma Welding

  • Has high energy density
  • Provides deep penetration
  • Precise and strong welding method

Used in defense, aerospace, and advanced engineering applications.

Laser Welding

  • Uses a concentrated laser beam
  • Offers low distortion and high speed
  • Suitable for automation and robotic systems

Prominent in automotive and high-precision manufacturing.

Resistance Welding

  • Joins materials using electrical resistance and pressure
  • Suitable for mass production
  • Includes spot and seam welding applications

Common in the home appliance and automotive industries.

Things You Should Know When Choosing Welding Types

1. Base Material Type

The material to be welded directly determines the method:

  • Carbon steels
  • Stainless steels
  • Aluminum and its alloys
  • Cast iron

Each material requires different heat input and welding technique.

2. Material Thickness

  • TIG or laser welding for thin sheets
  • MIG/MAG or electrode welding for thick sections

Choosing the wrong method can cause deformation or insufficient penetration.

3. Production Speed and Cost

  • Mass production: MIG/MAG, resistance, or laser welding
  • Low-volume jobs: Electrode or TIG welding

Choosing the right method optimizes costs and production time.

4. Weld Quality and Strength Requirements

In critical applications, the following should be considered:

  • Weld seam quality
  • Mechanical strength
  • Standards and certification requirements

5. Working Environment

  • Open areas: Electrode welding
  • Closed and controlled environments: MIG/MAG, TIG, laser

Environmental conditions affect the success of the welding method.

6. Operator Experience and Equipment

Some welding methods require:

  • Higher operator skill
  • Advanced equipment and automation

The existing infrastructure should be properly evaluated.

Gedik Welding and the Right Welding Technology


Gedik Welding supports businesses in choosing the right welding technology by providing welding machines, welding consumables, and technical consultancy services for various industries. It combines quality and efficiency with solutions tailored to production needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right welding method from among the various types is a strategic decision in terms of production quality, cost, and workplace safety. A proper selection based on material type, production volume, and quality expectations ensures durable and reliable welded joints.

25.02.2026