Welding and cutting work demands high-quality supplies, such as consumables. These are the items, like gases and wires, that are used up during the welding and cutting processes. If you use welding and cutting in your work, you’ll need a steady supply of consumables from reliable manufacturers. Meritus Gas Partners can help, with knowledgeable teams across the United States and a large catalog of products.
Welding and cutting consumables can vary widely based on the method used. In all instances, the welder consumes the products to make welds and cuts, eventually requiring a replacement.
Some supplies you’ll need for most welding methods are filler material and electrodes. Filler material refers to items like solid rods, wires, powders or fluxes that welders add to a joint to cover gaps, strengthen a bond or achieve other goals. You may need shielding gases to prevent adverse effects in welds, like oxidation or contamination. Nozzles, cups and shields are also common welding consumables used to protect and guide the electrode and direct shield gas to the weld area.
Here are some examples of welding consumables and supplies used in different processes:
Cutting processes also use many consumables to create and concentrate the electrode onto the workpiece. Below are some consumables you’ll need for different cutting methods:
Buying welding and cutting consumables involves many factors, so the process is rarely straightforward. Keep the following tips in mind as you shop and consult an expert if you have any questions. A knowledgeable sales partner can go through the options with you.
Review the following factors of potential welding and cutting supplies to make a more informed purchase:
Determining how long welding and cutting consumables last depends on many variables, like the properties of the base metal, its thickness and the welder’s cutting speed and technique. The quality of the consumables matters, too. Buying quality supplies and keeping them properly maintained can help in this area.
One of the most impactful variables is usage. In some high-output operations, tungsten electrodes will only last a few hours, while occasional users could make them last for days or weeks. Similarly, shielding gas consumption will affect how often you need a refill.
Extend the life of your welding and cutting consumables by storing them in a cool, dry place away from any heat sources and establishing processes telling employees when to replace items. You could replace consumables on a regular schedule or require visual inspections. Some signs of wear include problems with cut quality, arc stability, precision and spatter.
Welding and cutting consumables can improve weld quality and boost productivity across industries like:
From building parts in a shop or fabricating them on site to repairing critical infrastructure, welding and cutting processes support countless businesses — and they all require high-quality consumables.
At Meritus Gas Partners, we have a nationwide network of skilled partners who understand the importance of high-performing consumables and reliable fulfillment. Backed by our vast catalog of supplies, we can help you find the right kind of welding and cutting consumables for your unique operation. Many of our partners also offer comprehensive welding support with various services, such as repairs, gas delivery and equipment rental, and products like shield gas, fuel gas, oxygen and equipment.
Contact us today to learn more or find your nearest location to get started!