Gas Welding vs Arc Welding: What's the Difference?

Welding is a common fabrication process. It involves the use of heat to melt and "fuse" two or more objects together. Objects made of metal will typically melt when exposed to even heat. As the objects melt, they will fuse with other adjacent metal objects which are also heated. There are different forms of welding, however, including gas welding and arc welding.

What Is Gas Welding?

Gas welding is a form of welding that uses a flame produced by the combustion of a fuel gas mixed with oxygen. Also known as oxy-fuel welding, it's characterized by the use of a gas. Some of the most common gases used in gas welding are acetylene, propane and natural gas.

What Is Arc Welding?

Arc welding is a form of welding that uses an electric arc between an electrode and the base metal. As a high electrical current passes through the electrode, it will generate an electric arc. Some electrodes are consumable, whereas others are non-consumable. Consumable electrodes are designed to melt during use, whereas non-consumable electrodes won't melt. Regardless, arc welding uses an electric arc between an electrode and the base metal.

Differences Between Gas and Arc Welding

Gas welding and arc welding are both fabrication processes, and they both leverage the use of heat to melt and fuse two or more objects together. With that said, gas welding and arc welding aren't the same. Gas welding requires the use of a gas, whereas arc welding requires the use of an electrode. The gas used in the former type of welding is essentially fuel in a gas state. The electrode used in the latter type of welding, on the other hand, is a set of coated wires.

Between they involve different processes, gas and arc welding use different equipment. Gas welding typically requires more equipment than arc welding. Among other things, you'll need a supply of gas and oxygen, along with hoses and more.

When choosing between gas and arc welding, you should consider the type of metal you need to fuse. Gas welding is ideal for non-ferrous metals, whereas arc welding supports both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Most professional welders will agree that gas welding is more difficult than arc welding. It requires greater precision due to its gas-based fuel. Arc welding, in comparison, is easier.

There are nuances between the strength of gas welding and arc welding. They can both create strong "joints" where two or more objects meet. Nonetheless, arc welding is typically stronger than its gas counterpart.