What Is a Multi-Process Welder?

Welding is a fabrication process used to join parts using heat and pressure. Welders use this process to form new products or to make repairs to existing structures. Multi-process welders are tools that can perform two or more welding processes by changing polarities and adjusting the process selector.

There are many tools that can be used when performing welds. One that you might consider investing in for welding is a multi-process welder, which can perform a range of weld types.

Multi-process welders are good for arc welding applications, including gas metal arc welding, shielded metal arc welding, flux-cored arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. Multi-process welders are cost-effective options for maximizing welding capabilities and are suitable for various thicknesses, welding joints, indoor/outdoor applications and base-metal types. However, multi-process welders may not be necessary if only one welding process is needed or if certain welds are performed more frequently.

Keep reading to learn more about what a multi-process welder can do and what to expect from this machine.

What Is a Multi-Process Welder?

A multi-process welder, also known as an MP welder, is a multi-process machine used for welding. It can be a useful part of a welder’s tool kit as it’s able to perform two or more welding processes. It is commonly used for several types of arc welding such as metal arc welding (MIG), tungsten arc welding (TIG) and stick welding.

How a Multi-Process Welder Works

Multi-process welders can perform several welding processes by changing polarities (positive, negative or even AC) and adjusting the process selector, going from SMAW to GMAW, for example. These multi-process welders offer the ability to weld a high variety of metals using different welding processes, allowing the person welding to switch methods in just a few minutes.

What are multi-process welders good for?

Arc welding is the most common process used in welding applications. Arc welding processes utilize an electric arc to fuse metals together, forming new shapes and objects. Heat generated during arc welding processes can reach around 6,500 degrees Fahrenheit.

A power source is used to create an arc between an electrode and the base material, which melts them at the point of contact and creates a welding circuit. A multi-process welder is often designed to perform two or more of the four main arc welding types. These include:

• Gas metal arc welding (GMAW): Also known as metal inert gas (MIG) welding, this method uses constant-voltage equipment to create heat by carrying current between a continuous solid wire electrode sent through the welding gun and accompanied by a shielding gas.
• Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW): SMAW welds are also referred to as stick welds. This method uses constant-current equipment that creates heat from a direct or alternating current that is sent between the flux-coated electrode and the workpiece.
• Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW): Flux-cored arc welding creates heat from a direct current electric arc and uses constant-voltage equipment in the process. It carries current between a continuous hollow wire with a flux compound and can be done with or without a shielding gas.
• Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW): Also known as TIG welding, this method utilizes constant-current equipment to create heat from an alternating or direct current electric arc. The current is carried by a tungsten electrode accompanied by a shielding gas.

Typically, multi-process welders are good options for maximizing what you can do for the price. While they are more expensive upfront than welding machines that perform only one type of weld, they save money in the long run because they can perform many different welds.

MP welders are great for applications that require working on pieces that have various thicknesses, different types of welding joints, indoor and outdoor applications or multiple base-metal types.

The benefit comes from being able to easily switch from one welding process to another, which adds to productivity and uninterrupted workflow.

When to avoid multi-process welders

There are some circumstances where MP welding might not be appropriate, and it’s important to keep these in mind.

If only one of the welding processes is needed, it doesn’t make sense to spend the money on a tool that will give you multiple options. Saving money for a higher-quality welding machine for a particular type of process would be the smart thing in this case.

It’s also good to keep in mind that MP welders will likely perform certain welds better than others. Depending on the type of welds you perform most often, this is another case where it might make sense to buy one machine.

Learn How To Weld at UTI

The Welding Technology program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) can help you learn the different types of arc welding processes in just 36 weeks! Grow your skills and get prepared for a career in the welding industry.¹

Learning these welding methods will give you hands-on training on how to use different types of machines, which will prepare you to utilize a multi-process welder if desire.

To find out more, request more information or contact us at 1-800-834-7308.