Welding is an invaluable method of joining metal components to create durable products and structures. Items like brackets, shelves, vehicle and equipment parts, structural beams, and more are commonly welded. In addition to selecting the best welding method for the application, a welder’s skill and experience are also critical to a project’s success.
For almost 50 years, N.J. McCutchen, Inc. has offered reliable welding services in the Stockton area. We offer full-service metal fabrication and machining capabilities, along with painting and sandblasting, for a complete manufacturing solution. Learn more about our MIG and TIG welding services and our unwavering commitment to innovation and quality.
What is Welding?
Welding is used to join or fuse two or more metal components in various configurations, creating a strong and permanent bond. There are several welding methods, though they all involve using electricity, heat, and usually (but not always) a filler material to create the join.
Unlike soldering or brazing, welding is a high-heat process that can melt the base material and filler, creating a molten material that forms the joint. Depending on the materials involved, the joint may even be stronger than the base metal.
Welding is compatible with many different metals and other materials, and several types of joints are possible depending on the requirements of the application. These include butt, T, corner, edge, and lap joins. The completed join is referred to as a weldment.
Our Welding Services in Stockton, CA
We specialize in these widely-used types of welding, which use electricity and an electrode to form an arc that melts the filler material to create joins:
MIG Welding
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is a variation of the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process. MIG welding uses inert shielding gases, such as argon and helium, and consumable electrode filler material, without flux so there’s no slag in the join. It allows for quick and high-quality weldments and is compatible with robotic welding equipment for higher-volume production. MIG welding can be performed from various angles (i.e., downward, upward, horizontal) for added flexibility.
TIG Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is another type of arc welding that uses a tungsten electrode that is not consumed during the welding process. A separate piece of filler material is added to the join during the welding process. As a result, TIG welding creates very reliable and precise joins, but may take longer than other arc welding processes. TIG welding is a two-handed process, where one hand holds the torch and the other feeds the filler rod. The torch creates the heat needed to form a small, intense arc to weld the pieces.
Both MIG and TIG welding are compatible with carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper. Nickel and nickel alloys are usually best suited to MIG welding, and titanium and magnesium usually require TIG welding.
Stick Welding
Stick welding is a third type of arc welding and uses a consumable filler electrode (i.e., stick) that is coated with flux. As the electrode melts, it releases both shielding gas and slag. This welding method is suitable for outdoor use because the shielding gas released by the electrode is not vulnerable to wind, as it is in MIG and TIG welding.
Overview of N.J. McCutchen’s Welding Services
The talented and experienced welders at N.J. McCutchen, Inc. provide top-notch welding services for new construction, on-site repairs, and installation for these and other applications:
- Agricultural equipment
- Port facilities
- Tanks and pressure vessels
- Manufacturing equipment
Additional services available from N.J. McCutchen, Inc. include:
Contact N.J. McCutchen, Inc. for Welding in Stockton, CA
Partnering with N.J. McCutchen, Inc. for reliable welding services gives you access to skilled and experienced welders, fabricators, and machinists. We work with clients in California’s Central Valley, locally in Stockton, and the port of Stockton to provide high-quality parts, equipment, and metalworking services. Capabilities include ASME code-compliant work with pressure vessels, components for agricultural and manufacturing equipment, aerospace, food processing, and other applications.
We maintain the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) U, R, and S stamps and UL 142 certification, globally recognized industry standards of quality, safety, and compliance. In addition, our in-house services mean we provide comprehensive guidance from initial concept through project completion under one roof.
Contact us to learn more about our welding services for the Stockton area, or request a quote for your next project.