TIG welders, Stick welders, Arc welders, and MIG welders use a special classification system in order to organize the different types of wear and to name the metal deterioration processes that change the welding wires and metal surfaces.

We have already discussed the processes of abrasion, thermal shock and impact wear. Now will be presented the rest of the surface wear types that are easily recognized by the multiprocess welders:

Erosion – this process of wearing away is known to the Stick welders, TIG welders, MIG welders and Arc welders as destruction of metals and of other materials, caused by the abrasive action of water that carries abrasive materials. Very often, this type of wearing hits the pump parts.

Compression – this is a deformation type of wear which is caused by very heavy but static loads or by a pressure on the metal surfaces that is increased in pressure. The multiprocess welders know well that the compression wear makes the metal to move and to lose its accuracy in terms of dimensions. This becomes a problem when parts need to maintain close dimension.

Cavitation – this is a wear which is a result from a flow of liquids that carry abrasive particles.

Corrosion – this is a wear that is gradually eating away of metal surfaces caused by the atmosphere, the gases and the acids, etc. The multiprocess welders confirm that this a wear that makes perforations and pits that may end up dissolving metal parts.

Corrosion / erosion – according to the TIG welders, Stick welders, MIG welders and Arc welders, this type of wear happens when the two processes take place simultaneously. For example, when there are corrosive liquids that flow over unprotected surfaces.

Oxidation – this is a wear during which the metal surfaces are crumbling. The process is caused when metal that is not protected is exposed to air, heat and moisture. A good example of oxidation is the rust we all know.

Metal to metal – this wear results in tearing of small portions of metal surfaces. The multiprocess welders say that this wear is usually caused by metal parts of the same hardness that are set together with no lubrication between them.