You may already know that welding has been around for a long time. With the many uses of welding, from repairs to manufacturing and construction, and across many industries, welding has helped shape America. So, how long has welding been around?
To find the first rudimentary elements of welding, you must go back to the Middle Ages. Here is a quick look at welding history and its advancement over the years.
A Glance at Welding History
How long has welding been around, you ask? It apparently showed up at some point after the fall of the Roman Empire, when the first known evidence of welding techniques appeared, such as pressure welding of lap joints.
Welding in the US
In 1890, the first patent in the US of the arc welding process was recorded. This process involved using a metal electrode and was considered the birth of welding as we know it today. In 1919, the American Welding Society was formed.
A year later, in 1920, we witnessed the introduction of automatic welding. These welding techniques quickly found a home in places like the automotive industry, leading to the rise and popularity of welding in the US.
Growth and Advancement of Welding
The 1920s were also a busy decade for the welding industry, as new and different electrodes were introduced. This made welding more applicable and versatile for a variety of uses across many industries.
The last piece of the puzzle in what we know as welding today came around during the 1950s. It was during this time that CO2 welding, a welding process that introduced consumable electrodes, was developed. The end result was a more economical way of welding, making welding a common tool among companies throughout the US.
Welding Today
Today, laser welding is at the forefront of the welding industry. Welding has come a long way since the Middle Ages, and it has played a role in shaping our country, too.
Were you aware that about 70% of all manufactured products involve some level of welding and welding skills? This includes industries as diverse as space travel and aviation, construction, automotive, general manufacturing, and more.
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