This section provides an overview for arc welders as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 36 arc welder manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked arc welder companies as of September, 2024: 1.Swagelok, 2.Lynn Welding Co., Inc., 3.Chief Collision Technology.
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Categories Related to Arc Welders
An arc welder is a welding machine that uses arc discharge to join two identical metals.
Arc welding occurs when an electric current flows through non-conductive air by passing a high current between unconnected conductors. The current flow creates an excited state that can reach temperatures of 5,000 to 20,000°C (5,000 to 20,000°F). Since iron melts at around 1,500°C, it is possible to create sufficient temperatures to join iron to iron.
There are several types of arc welders, but basically, an electrode or welding rod is used to join base metals. In this process, inert gas is used to prevent oxidation and nitriding.
Arc welders are commonly used for metal structures, including automobiles, railroad cars, ships, aircraft, buildings, construction machinery, and industrial machinery. The base metal is often steel, but it can also join non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and titanium.
Welding is performed in an atmosphere with high nitrogen and oxygen levels, so nitriding and oxidation can cause welding defects. To avoid this phenomenon, inert gas that shuts off nitrogen and oxygen is used during arc welding. The inert gas is shielding gas, and argon or carbon dioxide gas is used.
Arc welders are broadly classified into consumable-electrode arc welders and non-consumable-electrode arc welders, depending on whether the electrode for discharge is molten. The consumable electrode type includes shielded arc welding and MIG/MAG welding, while the non-consumable electrode type includes TIG welding and plasma welding.
This method uses a welding rod with a metal core wire covered with a coating material consisting mainly of calcium carbonate and cellulose to generate an arc discharge. Depending on the power source, AC and DC types are available. The coating material decomposes due to heat, generating shielding gas. This gas protects the welder from oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere and prevents welding defects.
MIG/MAG stands for "Metal Inert Gas, Metal Active Gas," a welding method that uses inert carbon dioxide or argon gas as the shielding gas to prevent oxidation and nitriding.
Welding wire is automatically supplied, resulting in high efficiency. However, it is difficult to weld non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and has the disadvantage that it cannot be used for welding other than ferrous metals.
TIG stands for "Tungsten Inert Gas" and uses tungsten as the electrode for discharge. Argon gas or helium gas is used as the shielding gas. A welding rod must be prepared separately.
This method uses tungsten as the electrode for discharge and a plasma arc as the heat source for welding. Plasma has the advantage of extremely high energy density and minimal deformation of the base metal. On the other hand, the welding machine and running costs are high.
Arc welders generate an arc discharge by emitting heat electrons from the electrode. The heat energy generated here melts the base metal to make the joint. Standard arc welders can be classified into two welding power sources: alternating and direct currents.
Various types of leakage transformers are used in AC arc welders. Among them, the movable iron core type has excellent characteristics. The primary and secondary coils face each other, and the movable iron core is moved to change the reactance against leakage and adjust the secondary current. 2.
DC arc welders have an internal mechanism that allows inverter control. Therefore, its internal structure is complicated and has the disadvantages of high prices and poor maintainability. However, they have a wide range of voltage adjustments and can weld at a stable output.
These welding machines are equipped with a welding torch, a device to automatically supply welding rods, and a device to fill and blow out shielding gas.
The following points should be considered when using commonly used shielded arc welders.
1. Clothing
Clothing should be checked in preparation for welding. Typical clothing includes a work cap or hood, safety glasses, arm covers, leather gloves, a light-shielding protective mask for welding, a front cover, foot covers, and a dust mask.
2. Preparation of Parts
Prepare parts to be used for welding. Welding requires the welder, cabtyre cables, ground clips, welding rod clips, welding rod cable extension joints, power supply tools, and welding rod dryers.
The power tools, etc., should be prepared according to the connection method of the welder and the power source to be connected to. Suppose the connection of the welding machine includes work on a charging circuit. In that case, the Occupational Safety and Health Law requires that the operator receive special training for low-voltage electricity handlers. After the preparation of parts is complete, the tools used for welding are prepared.
Commonly used tools include a Kellen hammer, chipping hammer, wire brush, solid marker, welding gauge, disc grinder, and fire extinguisher. The Occupational Health and Safety Law applies when performing arc welding. It is important to note that it is mandatory to appoint a work supervisor and conduct special health checkups and working environment measurements.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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STANLEY Infrastructure, established in 1843 and based in Portland, USA, is a manufacturer of handheld hydraulic tools and attachments. The company's portfolio of tools and attachments are categorised by the product application such as demolition, electric utility, recycling, railroad maintenance, light construction, search & rescue operations and other. These products include over 150 handheld hydraulic tools and over 30 mounted impact tools. The company offers various resources like digital library with manuals and spec sheets, catalogs and other literature to provide detailed information to the customers.
Lynn Welding Co., Inc., founded in 1979, is an American manufacturer based in Newington, Connecticut, specializing in industrial welding services. The company offers various welding services, including resistance welding, fusion welding, and brazing. It also provides precision computer numerical control (CNC) machining, featuring wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), waterjet cutting, as well as fixture and tooling machining. Catering to the aerospace and military sectors, the company offers tailored fabrication services, with products like aerospace tooling, crew door components, ground support equipment (GSE), as well as armored vehicle and defense system components, accredited by Nadcap (National Aerospace and Defense Contractors Accreditation Program).
Chief Collision Technology, part of Vehicle Service Group (VSG), was established in 1972 in Grand Island, Nebraska and is a manufacturer of collission repair solutions, including vehicle archoring equipment, frame pulling systems, vehicle frame specs, and automated measuring systems. The company also provides training on collission theory, structural analysis, computerized measuring, and design-based repair. Today, the company operates at six ISO 9001-certified locations worldwide with representatives spread across 48 countries in five continents.
Swagelok Company was founded in 1947 in Cleveland, Ohio as a tube fitting manufacturer. The company serves numerous industries including the chemical, clean energy, food & beverage, industrial machinery, life sciences, and wastewater treatment industries. The copmany's product categories include hoses and flexible tubing, sample cylinders, welding systems, tubing and accessories, and measurement devices. The company's also offers engineering services including field engineering, onsite services, design and assembly services, training, and construction services.
Sunstone Engineering LLC is a designer and manufacturer of high-tech micro welding and engraving solutions based out of Payson, Utah. Under the Orion, Avis, PW, and Seit brands, the company serves industries as diverse as jewelry, power sell manufacturing, aerospace, and orthodontics. The company’s customers include Boeing, Ford, Tesla, and Microsoft. The company’s product lines include lasers, pulse arcs, HF inverters, and hot bar reflow welding systems. The company produces almost all its products at its factories in Utah and distributes them to customers around the world.
Sciaky, Inc., founded in 1939, is a manufacturer of EB welding equipment and industrial metal 3D printing systems for use in the aerospace, oil and gas, healthcare, and defense industries. The company is a subsidiary of Phillips Service Industries, Inc., and offers addictive manufacturing services and after-sales services such as preventative maintenance, modifications, retrofits, and upgrades.The corporation, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, distributes its systems to overseas manufacturing plants and research and development facilities. Sciaky is a member of various associations including the International Titanium Association and the American Welding Institute.
Keystone Fastening Technologies, Inc. (KFT) is an American ISO 9001 certified manufacturer of stud welding and fastener equipment established in 1986 as the exclusive North American partner of the German company OBO Bettermann. Based in Wexford, Pennsylvania, the company offers various fastening solutions including welding studs, drawn arc accessories, and capacitor discharge equipment. Their products are utilized by clients in shipbuilding, rail, and aerospace component manufacturing. KFT also offers prototyping, fabrication, 3D modeling, and pre-production sampling services for unique customer projects.
Multiquip Inc., established in 1973 and headquartered in California, United States, is a manufacturer and supplier in the construction equipment industry. The company specializes in manufacturing and providing construction equipment and solutions, including concrete mixers, power trowels, generators, and compaction equipment. It caters to construction and infrastructure development industries and its equipment enhances construction efficiency, durability, and precision, supporting the success of projects in sectors such as residential and commercial construction, infrastructure development, and industrial projects.
W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc., originally establshed in 1908 by William E. Aubuchon, is a family-owned and operated chain of hardware stores consisting of over 100 stores across the Northeast United States, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania in addition to the online store, HardwareStore.com. The company is a distributor of hardware goods, garden and lawn supplies, nuts and bolts, electrical devices, outdoor living products, and home goods. The store works with manufacturers and distributors to offer more product categories and product choices.
Midwest Fasteners, Inc. established in Miamisburg, Ohio, in 1989 is a manufacturer and supplier of Stud Welding Products, inluding Insulation Fasteners, Stud Welding Equipment & Accessories as wel as Stud Welding Repair Services. Their product range includes Capacitor Discharge Weld Pins & Arc, Weld Pins, Cup Head Pins, Insulation Fastener Washers, Caps & Nuts, and Insulation Anchors & Insulation Hangers. The company has customer service and sales through a national and international network of end-user, customers, sales agents, and distributors.
DCC Corporation, established in Pennsauken, NJ, is a distributor of hotspot thermocouple welders used by researchers, manufacturers, and labs. Their product portfolio includes The HotSpot PLUS, Hotspost I, and Hotspot II used for thermocouple fabrication and temperature sensing applications in various industries, including aerospace, automotive, power generation, oil and gas, and chemical processing. The company also provides services including national distribution, product selection, installation, preventative maintenance, troubleshooting, repair and customer service.
American Welding Supply Co., founded in 2016 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, USA, is a supplier of welding equipment for oil and gas industry. The company specializes in providing a broad array of welding, safety equipment, and industrial supplies, comprising welding equipment, pipeline equipment, gas cutters, safety gear and industrial tools, and construction supplies. It holds ISO 9001:2015, BBB A+ certifications that meet industry standards, ensuring that the products are durable and adhere to strict safety regulations. The products benefit customers by enhancing workplace safety, improving welding efficiency, and supporting consistent operation of construction and industrial projects.
L&M Tool and Industrial Supply Inc., a supplier of commercial milling, threading, tooling systems, broaching, cutting tool spare parts and blanks with headquarters in Bedford Heights, Ohio, was founded in 1986. The company ensures that businesses in the construction, industrial, and welding sectors have access to the tools and equipment necessary for their operations. It serves as a dependable source for tools, supplies, consumables, and custom solutions tailored to professionals across diverse industries.
Automotive Service Equipment, since 1996, has been a distributor of auto garage equipment located in Cardinal Circle Torrington, CT. The products categories are car lifts, battery & jump starters, jacks, air compressors, and wheel service equipment, including alignment equipment, brake lathes, wheel changers & balancers, tire balancing beads, and slide hammers used in manufacturing, transportation, government agencies, airlines, and automotive industries. The company has supplied products to Hemming Classic Auto Museum Shop, Two Guys Garage Television Show, and Rochester Auto Museum.
Sutton Garten Co.’s history dates back to1916 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sutton Garten is an independent welding distributor, providing products and services. Sutton Garten’s product offerings include welding abrasives, dry ice & blast equipment, electric welding equipment & supplies, filler metals, flux and chemicals, fume extraction equipment, gases, cylinders, dewars, gas equipment for welding, welding hand tools, plasma cutting equipment, metal cutting sawing grinding tools, welding safety equipment, and weld accessories. Sutton Garten’s service offerings include bulk gas installations, carbon dioxide gas fill service, rental welding & cutting equipment as well as repairs.
Indiana Oxygen Company was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Indianapolis, United States is a manufacturer and supplier specializing in welding and gas supplies. The company offers a diverse product catalog, including carbon arc gouging, welding clamps, and head protection gear. Additionally, it extends services such as technical maintenance, installation assistance, and customer training. These products find applications in the military and air force, industrial welding engineers, and automotive industries.
Koki Holdings Co. Ltd., established in 1948 and based in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of several power tools, including drilling, cutting, sawing, fastening, and grinding tools. The company began making chemistry equipment in 1954 and launched its first disk grinder in 1957. In 1960, it began making pneumatic tools, and in 1962, it started producing gas engine equipment. It began making printers in 1963 and woodworking machinery in 1969. In 1978, it opened its first overseas subsidiary in West Germany, and in 1979, it opened its first overseas manufacturing subsidiary in Singapore.
ESAB, founded in 1904 and headquartered in Maryland, United States, is a manufacturer of welding as well as cutting equipment and consumables. It manufactures accessories and consumables, arc welding equipment, cutting automation, filler metals, and gas equipment. Moreover, it offers manual plasma cutting, PPE/Safety, robotics, torches, and welding automation. For arc welding, Fabricator EM 400i, for instance, is ideal for heavy industries due to the use of solid and flux-cored wires together with fabricator feed. ESAB has earned ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Services 18001 certifications.
Lincoln Electric, established in 1895, is a supplier of cutting-edge products, welding processes, and automated solutions based in Cleveland, Ohio, United States. Lincoln Electric provides equipment, systems, and solutions for every segment of industry around the world. The company offers various products needed for welding and cutting, filler metals, weld fume control, and automation. Lincoln Electric's range of automation solutions includes Laser System Integration and Processing, Metalforming and Press Automation, and various automation needs of the Automotive industry.
KUKA AG was founded in 1898 in Augsburg, Germany. The company is a subsidiary of GD Midea Holding Co., Ltd. and is an automation developer, designing and manufacturing robot-based automation solutions for medical, automotive, warehousing, and distribution industries. The company’s product segments include robot systems, production machines, and systems, mobility as a driver of Industry 4.0, and process technologies that provide special welding processes to factories. The company’s services include repair and servicing for robots and machines and engineering services for designing and programming robotic systems.
Weldlogic was started in 1978 and is headquartered in Newbury Park, California. The company serves both domestic and international customers globally in the medical, sensor, aircraft, military, and oil industries as an engineer and manufacturer of welding systems and roll-forming systems. In addition to welding systems and roll forming systems, the company offers various custom systems, tube manufacturing cells, welding power supplies, and laser welding systems. The company offers process validation via pretesting systems and guarantees that the quality and specifications of every system delivered meet or exceed customer requirements.
Standard Resistance Welder Company was founded in 1973 and headquartered in Winston, Georgia as a division of Jim Dally & Associates, inc. The company is a developer, engineer, and manufacturer of resistance welding equipment. The company offers custom design and manufacture of all types of standard and special resistance welding equipment and systems as well as electrodes, special tooling, and fixtures. The company’s products include resistance welders and other welding products including gun welders, seam welders, press-type welding machines, and automated welding systems bench welders.
MTI Micro-Welding, established in 1993 and headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA, is a manufacturer of microwelding solutions. The company manufactures various precision welding equipment, including laser welders, micro TIG welders, and resistance welders. These advanced welding technologies enable precise, clean, and controlled joins, making them ideal for applications where accuracy and stability are needed. The products find applications across various industries, including automotive, medical device manufacturing, aerospace, and electronics, and play a critical role in producing miniature components, medical implants, aerospace parts, and electronic assemblies.
CIM SYSTEMS, INC. is a manufacturer of robotic automation systems founded in 1989 and based in Noblesville, Indiana. The company provides material handling solutions for use in complex production processes such as packaging, palletizing, or machine tending for clients in automotive, aerospace, and consumer goods. The company’s product lineup includes components like positioners, conveyors, end-of-arm tooling, and deburring spindles, as well as accessories like grippers and sensors. CIM SYSTEMS, INC also develops and supplies clients with CAD and CAM software for industrial applications, including RhinoNC, MillBox, Pyramis, and SUM3D.
Gullco International, Inc., founded in 1954, is a manufacturer and distributor of welding automation products such as welding carriages, electrode ovens, ceramic weld backing, high-speed beveling, and cutting carriages used in shipbuilding, tank welding, oil & gas, infrastructure, and power generation industries. Based on Bavaria Road East in Macedonia, the company provides on-site training for the use of Gullco products, specializing in horizontal and vertical welding. International trademarks include KAT, MOGGY, KBM, Pipe Kat, and SAM.
STANLEY Engineered Fastening, founded in 1910 and headquartered in Towson, Maryland, is a manufacturer and distributor of fastening and assembly solutions. The company caters to diverse industries, including aerospace, automotive, construction, electronics, and medical, offering a product range that comprises brackets for supporting structures, critical application fasteners like lockbolts and blind rivets, inserts for reinforcement, screws and bolts for fastening, and various types of hand tools for installation and removal of components. The company has multiple locations strategically positioned near its customers worldwide, including the USA, Germany, and Japan.
Bolte GmbH is a manufacturer and supplier of stud welding technology products that was established in Gevelsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The company’s products include stud welding systems built to different standards such as PRO-S and PRO-C, and various stud welding heads such as KST and GD. It also offers welding studs in a range of sizes and materials, as well as stud welding accessories such as handling arms and stud feeders. The company is ISO 9001:2015-certified, and mainly serves clients in the construction, engineering, and shipbuilding industries.
Wharton Hardware and Supply is a family-operated business that was founded in 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and has branched to several locations across the United States. Wharton operates in 3 segments: products, sales & rental, and services. The products segment includes road & bridge concrete accessories, safety equipment, abrasives and cutting tool products, plumbing-related products, topological products, fasteners, bits and drill equipment, as well as power tools. The sales & rental segment offers heavy duty construction equipment from major brands. The services segment includes repair and testing for tools and equipment.
T.R. Wigglesworth Machinery Company is a family-run business that was founded in 1935 and based in Bedford, Ohio. The company is a distributor of manufacturing equipment, tools, and machines. The company is led by faith to serve and donate to the Bedford city mission. The company features brands such as Webster & Bennet, Acer, Whacheon, Femco, and Kent. The company’s product offerings include boring mills, grinding and milling machines, and manual and CNC machines. The company also offers parts and services including auctions, financing, and purchasing of used equipment.
Sterling Machinery Exchange (Sterling) was founded in 1954 and is based in South El Monte, California. Sterling is a distributor for new and used machinery and purchases used equipment, primarily for industrial and manufacturing uses. Types of machinery the company offers include air compressors, boring mills, deburring machines, lathes, and stretch forming machines. The company offers both new and used equipment as well as a buyer's guide for purchasing assistance. The company also purchases used equipment.
Precision Welding Supply (PWS) is a distributor of orbital welding products, equipment and supplies founded in 2004 and based in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The company primarily stocks MK Products, AXXAIR, and TRI TOOL products as an authorized representative, supplying client manufacturers in the oil and gas, construction, and automation sectors. The company offers a range of services such as welding machine calibration and repair, as well as in-house orbital welding training using ASME Section IX certified instructors. PWS' clients include Metallfit, Pro-Weld Services and the Safran Nacelles Group.
Joseph Fazzio, Inc. was established in 1965 as a family-owned business and is based in Glassboro, New Jersey. Joseph Fazzio is both a distributor and servicer of industrial tools, machinery, and materials. The company's product offerings include building materials, fasteners, fleet products, hydraulics and mechanical components, and tool storage. Additional types of products include sheet metals, heavy machinery, and specific bolt, nut, screw, and spacer selections. The company's surplus division also offers a line of used products for sale across product lines.
Established in 1993 and based in the UK, The Welders Warehouse is an online retailer specializing in an array of welding products and services. The company's portfolio includes gas welding, welding equipment, safety gear, accessories, wires, rods, gas, torches, and spares, sourced from respected brands like Lincoln Electric, Miller Electric, and ESAB. Customers benefit from free delivery on orders above £75, a 14-day return policy, and round-the-clock customer service. Expert guidance is available, along with a comprehensive digital resource of articles and videos for both novice and seasoned welders.
Southern Stud Weld, founded in 1986 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a supplier of semi and fully-automated stud welding and specialty fastener solutions. It is the North American partner of Soyer Stud Welding and stocks products such as capacitor-discharge stud welding systems, parallel positioning equipment, and drawn arc stud welding systems. It also sells production stud welding systems, drilling equipment, and insulation fasteners such as lacing anchors, cup head pins, and dome cap nuts. The company also rents stud welding equipment and serves several industries, including sign manufacturing, shipbuilding, and metal fabrication.
Airgas, an Air Liquide company, is a supplier of industrial, medical and specialty gases, as well as hardgoods and related products, founded in 1982 in Radnor Township, Pennsylvania. The company serves over one million customers and has a distribution network of about 1,400 locations. They offer a wide range of products including welding equipment and supplies, atmospheric gases, carbon dioxide, ammonia and process chemicals. They have grown through more than 500 acquisitions and internal growth to become the largest national distribution network in the packaged gas industry. Red-D-Arc Welderentals is one of their subsidiaries.
Ranking as of September 2024
Derivation MethodRank | Company | Click Share |
---|---|---|
1 | Swagelok |
8.0%
|
2 | Lynn Welding Co., Inc. |
6.3%
|
3 | Chief Collision Technology |
4.9%
|
4 | Sciaky, Inc. |
4.4%
|
5 | W.E. Aubuchon Co., Inc. |
4.1%
|
6 | Koki Holdings Co., Ltd. |
3.9%
|
7 | American Welding Supply Co. |
3.9%
|
8 | Automotive Service Equipment |
3.9%
|
9 | L&M Tool and Industrial Supply Inc |
3.9%
|
10 | Sunstone Engineering LLC |
3.9%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the arc welder page as of September 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
---|---|---|
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16 | 80.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
![]() |
1 | 5.0% |
1 product is listed.
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Metal and metal are welded with the power of electricity.