FAQs About 3 O'Clock Welders

If you are new to the industrial sector and want to get into welding, you likely are learning about different welding tools and processes. A 3 o'clock welder is just one type of welding machine. If you've never heard of it before, it's also known as a girth welder. Girth welds are circumferential welding processes compared to longitudinal welds on joints. Here are some FAQs and answers about 3 o'clock welders.

What products are made with 3 o'clock welders? 

3 o'clock welders are mainly used on pipes in underground systems, tankers, reactors, boilers, storage tanks, and other cylindrical shapes.

What are some advantages of 3 o'clock welders?

A 3 o'clock machine is different than stick welding (shielded metal arc welding), which requires a person to move a rod manually over a joint. While stick welds have the advantage of portability, 3 o'clock welding machines have their own distinct advantages.

Stick welding can be a very slow process, but 3 o'clock welders can up production since the machine rides on adjustable flanged wheels and can be fed metal sheets. Stick welding is a more complicated process, so you typically need someone with great experience to get a good result. On the other hand, 3 o'clock welders are designed to support the operator safely.

Lastly, there is more accuracy and durability with 3 o'clock welders. Welding rods have to be frequently replaced; they may cause rough surfaces or spatter; and, they don't work on thin metals. Since 3 o'clock welders are self-propelled, there is minimal spatter and more accuracy. These welders can be used for stainless steel, mild steel, and many other types of metals.

Which welding process do 3 o'clock welders use?

These welders use arc welding, a process where heat is created by an electric arc. As metal sheets are heated on the faying surface — the surface which contacts a joint — the materials fuse together. There are many subtypes of arc welding, such as gas metal arc welding. There are many different types of 3 o'clock welders on the market, so you will have to talk with a manufacturer for their specific arcing process.

Do 3 o'clock welders create continuous seam welds or intermittent seam welds?

These welders usually create continuous seam welds. This means that the welding machine continually welds an entire joint. Intermittent seam welds give a joint a "stitched" lock. Some people prefer intermittent seam welds since it can prevent metal distortion from heat and can decreases costs. However, the downside of intermittent welds is that they are not as durable as continuous seam welds.  

For more information about 3 o'clock welders, contact an industrial supplier in your area.

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