Flash Welding— this is another type of butt welding, the difference consisting in the method of heating the base metals. The electrodes are clamped to the parts to be joined, and a heavy current is passed through them. The movable electrode brings the surface of the metal it holds into contact, with the surface of the metal held in the stationary electrode. Just before the two pieces meet, an arc developed in the short gap causes sufficient heat to make the surface to be joined plastic.
Percussion Welding—this process is similar to flash welding inasmuch as it-relies upon a sudden discharge of electrical energy (produced by the arc) at the joint to generate Sufficient heat to make the surfaces to be joined plastic. The pressure required to accomplish the weld at the proper moment is obtained by employing a heavy spring.
Seam Welding— this is a resistance-welding process which consists of passing two or more base metals between electrodes which are in the form of rollers. The current is transmitted through the electrodes to the metals. The mechanical pressure required for forcing them together, as well as the current is transmitted by the roller-shaped electrodes. The welded joint thus produced is similar to a seam made in cloth.
Refrigerators, metal containers, gasoline tanks, automobile mufflers, aircraft fabrications, pipes for furnaces and stoves, and other products requiring pressure-tight seams are rapidly produced by seam welding.