History of Welding

Mango Design

7 May 201804:10

Summary

TLDRThe history of welding dates back to 4000 BC, with Egyptians using copper and later advancing to bronze during the Bronze Age. Over time, techniques like forge welding and pressure welding emerged. Major milestones include the creation of the electric arc in the 1800s, oxy-acetylene welding, and the use of welding in WWI. The 20th century saw innovations like spot welding, gamma-ray inspection, and NASA's use of TIG welding for space exploration. Modern welding now includes robotics and advanced technology, revolutionizing the field.

Takeaways

🛠️ Welding dates back to 4000 BC when the Egyptians began using copper.
🔨 Bronze Age welding occurred between 2000 BC and 3000 BC, with small gold boxes made by pressure welding.
⚰️ Tutankhamun's funeral mask, made in 1330 BC, used solder and a blowpipe.
🗿 The iron pillar of Delhi, built around 310 AD, was constructed using welding techniques.
⚔️ Forge welding advanced in the Middle Ages, with blacksmiths bonding metal by hammering it while heated.
⚡ Sir Humphry Davy invented the electric arc in the 1800s, which powered welding using carbon electrodes.
🔥 The blowpipe or torch, using acetylene and oxygen, revolutionized welding in 1887 by reaching higher flame temperatures.
💡 In 1911, oxy-acetylene welding was used to create the first pipeline, marking a major milestone in the industry.
🚂 The first all-welded railroad bridge was constructed in 1928, advancing infrastructure development.
🚀 In 1969, Russians became the first to weld in space aboard Soyuz 6, pushing welding technology into new frontiers.

Q & A

When is the history of welding thought to have begun?
-The history of welding is thought to have begun around 4000 BC.
What significant development in welding occurred during the Bronze Age?
-During the Bronze Age, between 2000 BC and 3000 BC, small gold circular boxes were made by pressure welding lap joints together.
What is the significance of Tutankhamun's funeral mask in the history of welding?
-Tutankhamun's funeral mask, made in 1330 BC, was crafted using solder and a blowpipe, showcasing early metal soldering techniques.
When was the iron pillar in Delhi, India, constructed using welding techniques?
-The iron pillar in Delhi, India, was constructed using welding techniques around 310 AD.
What advancements were made in welding during the Middle Ages?
-During the Middle Ages, advancements in forge welding were made, where blacksmiths used hammering on heated metal to achieve bonding.
Who invented the electric arc, and what was the significance of this invention?
-Sir Humphry Davy invented the electric arc in the 1800s, which was created between two carbon electrodes powered by a battery. This invention laid the groundwork for modern welding techniques.
When was the blowpipe or torch developed for welding, and what was its significance?
-The blowpipe or torch was developed in 1887, using acetylene and liquefied air or oxygen to create higher flame temperatures, which was a significant advancement in welding technology.
What was the first year carbon arc welding was used, and how did its popularity evolve?
-Carbon arc welding was first used in 1881 and later became popular during the late 1890s and early 1900s.
When was the first pipeline created using oxy-acetylene welding?
-The first pipeline created using oxy-acetylene welding was in 1911.
How did World War One impact the development of electric arc welding?
-During World War One, due to a gas shortage in England, electric arc welding became the primary fabrication method for manufacturing bombs, mines, and torpedoes.
What significant development in welding technology occurred in the 1920s?
-In the 1920s, major advances were made in welding technology, including the reduction of automatic welding and the first use of gamma ray radiation to detect flaws in cast or welded steels.
When was the first all-welded railroad bridge erected in America, and where was it located?
-The first all-welded railroad bridge in America was erected in 1928, located in Pennsylvania.
How did the construction of the Mercury space capsule influence the use of TIG welding?
-During the construction of the Mercury space capsule in 1962, NASA used TIG welding to weld titanium together without a filler metal, recognizing its usefulness in aviation.
What milestone in space welding was achieved by the Russians in 1969?
-In 1969, the Russians achieved the first milestone in space welding by performing a weld aboard Soyuz 6.
How has modern-day welding evolved, and what technologies are now in use?
-Modern-day welding has evolved to include robotic welding, onboard computers that program the welding process, and the use of state-of-the-art electrodes and exotic multiple gas mixtures.

Outlines

00:00

🔥 History of Welding and Its Evolution

The history of welding dates back to around 4000 BC with the Egyptians using copper. The Bronze Age saw the creation of small gold boxes through pressure welding. In 1330 BC, Tutankhamun's funeral mask was crafted using soldering techniques. The Iron Pillar in Delhi, India, was constructed using welding around 310 AD. The Middle Ages advanced forge welding, where blacksmiths bonded metal through hammering. The 19th century marked the invention of modern welding with Sir Humphry Davy's electric arc between carbon electrodes in the 1800s. Edmund Davy's discovery of acetylene in 1836 and the development of the blowpipe in 1887 revolutionized welding with higher flame temperatures. Carbon arc welding emerged in 1881, and by the late 1890s and early 1900s, it gained popularity. The first resistant spot welding machines were produced in 1906, and in 1911, the first pipeline was created using oxy-acetylene welding. Lincoln Electric began manufacturing commercial welding machines in 1912. During World War I, electric arc welding became the primary method for manufacturing military equipment due to a gas shortage. The 1920s saw significant advancements in welding technology, including automatic welding and the use of gamma ray radiation to detect flaws in welds. The first all-welded railroad bridge was erected in Pennsylvania in 1928. Aluminum spot welding was recognized for its aviation applications in 1939. NASA used TIG welding for the construction of the Mercury space capsule in 1962, and in 1969, the Russians performed the first space welding on Soyuz 6. Modern welding now includes robotic welding, onboard computers for programming, and advanced electrodes with multiple gas mixtures.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Welding

Welding is the process of joining materials, typically metals or thermoplastics, by using high heat to melt the parts together and allow them to cool, forming a strong bond. The video traces the history of welding from ancient times, starting with the Egyptians and later advancing into modern-day technologies. Welding is the main theme of the video, exploring how it has evolved and impacted different industries.

💡Soldering

Soldering is a technique similar to welding but involves joining smaller components, typically metals, by melting a filler material (solder) into the joint. The video mentions how soldering was used by the Egyptians and later for creating objects like Tutankhamun’s funeral mask. It is highlighted as one of the related arts to welding, particularly useful in fine metalwork.

💡Brazing

Brazing is a metal-joining process that involves melting a filler metal above 450°C but below the melting point of the workpieces. It differs from welding in that it does not melt the base metals. In the video, brazing is mentioned alongside soldering and welding as part of the 'related arts,' demonstrating its historical importance and its use in various applications.

💡Electric Arc

The electric arc is a continuous electrical discharge between two electrodes, producing intense heat. Sir Humphry Davy’s invention of the electric arc in the early 1800s marked a pivotal moment in welding history, enabling more precise and efficient methods of joining metals. The video references this development as one of the key technological advancements that transformed welding.

💡Oxy-acetylene Welding

Oxy-acetylene welding uses a blowtorch fueled by oxygen and acetylene to produce a high-temperature flame capable of melting metals. This method was developed in the late 19th century and became widely used for tasks like pipeline construction. The video highlights its importance in advancing welding technology and enabling more complex projects.

💡Forge Welding

Forge welding is a traditional method where heated metals are hammered together until they bond. In the video, forge welding is discussed as a technique that became more sophisticated during the Middle Ages, particularly through blacksmithing. It is one of the earliest forms of welding, providing a foundation for more modern techniques.

💡Resistance Spot Welding

Resistance spot welding is a process where metal surfaces are joined by applying pressure and passing an electric current through the materials. It allows for the welding of thin materials, and its first machines were produced in 1906. The video mentions this technology as a key innovation that allowed welders to work on thinner metals more efficiently.

💡TIG Welding

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a technique that uses a tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It is noted in the video for its use in NASA's Mercury space capsule construction, as it enabled precise welding of titanium without using filler metals. This method is essential in modern applications requiring high-quality, clean welds.

💡Gamma Ray Testing

Gamma ray testing uses radiation to inspect and detect flaws in metal castings or welds. This method, first used in 1926, led to more reliable and sturdy welds by identifying imperfections in the materials. In the video, this advancement is recognized for its contribution to the quality control of welded structures, ensuring the safety and durability of major projects.

💡Robotic Welding

Robotic welding refers to the use of automated machines programmed to perform welding tasks. The video discusses this as one of the most modern advancements in welding, showing how technology has transformed the process by improving precision, efficiency, and safety in industrial applications. It represents the future of welding, with computers now guiding the process.

Highlights

Welding history is thought to begin around 4000 BC when the Egyptians started using copper.

During the Bronze Age, people began working with bronze between 2000 BC and 3000 BC.

Small gold circular boxes were made by pressure welding lap joints together in 1330 BC.

Tutankhamun's funeral mask was made using solder and a blowpipe from metal soldering.

Welding was used to build the iron pillar in Delhi, India, around 310 AD.

The Middle Ages brought advances in forge welding, where blacksmiths hammered heated metal repeatedly until bonding occurred.

In the 1800s, Sir Humphry Davy invented the electric arc, which was created between two carbon electrodes powered by a battery.

In 1836, Humphry's cousin Edmund Davy discovered acetylene gas, which became practical in welding by 1887 with the development of the blowpipe or torch.

The first resistant spot welding machines were produced in 1906, allowing welders to weld very thin materials.

In 1911, the first pipeline was created using oxy-acetylene welding.

Lincoln Electric began manufacturing the first commercial welding machines in 1912.

During World War I, electric arc welding became the primary fabrication method due to a gas shortage in England.

In 1926, gamma ray radiation was first used to detect flaws in cast or welded steels.

The first all-welded railroad bridge was erected in Pennsylvania, USA, in 1928.

In 1962, NASA used TIG welding to weld titanium for the construction of the Mercury space capsule.

In 1969, Russians welded in space on Soyuz 6, marking the first time welding was attempted in space.

Modern-day welding includes robotic welding, onboard computers, and state-of-the-art electrodes with exotic multiple gas mixtures.