How To Choose the Right Welding Supplies
Metal Types and Thickness
- Different metals and thicknesses require different amperage ranges and consumables to achieve a strong weld without burn-through when selecting your welder rental
- Confirm your base material and thickness so you can pick the right machine class and electrode or wire type for your welding equipment rental
- Beyond the machine itself, the metal type and thickness influence required pre-heating or post-weld treatment and the selection of specialized welder accessories to ensure the safest most efficient configuration
Welding Process & Joint Type
- Choose the process that fits the job: MIG for speed, TIG for precision, stick for outdoor or windy conditions and thicker materials when you rent a welder
- Joint type and position affect what consumables and welder accessories you'll need for clean reliable welds
- Match the welding process and joint type with the required quality, speed and accessibility to configure your welding machine rental with the right welders and accessories
Power Source Availability & Site Environment
- Check power availability on site to assess whether you need to rent additional power distribution equipment
- Where power is limited or far from the work, fuel-powered options or additional cabling and distribution can keep the job moving
- Verify available power regarding voltage, phase, amperage or fuel type, charging cords and cables as needed, and plan run time for refueling
FAQs About Welding Supplies
Our 2-in-1 machines offer welding and generator power in locations where electrical outlets aren't available. They can power tools, lights, appliances, and motors while producing stick, TIG, MIG, and flux-cored outputs so you can tackle every field-welding challenge. United Rentals experts are on hand to answer any questions and find the right tools for your project. For more information about your rental process, please read “What Kind of Welder Do I Need?”
The four most common types of welding are gas metal arc welding (GMAW) or metal insert gas (MIG), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or stick welding, and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW).
The properties of aluminum make it harder to weld than steel. Aluminum expands more when heated and melts at a lower temperature. The first step is cleaning the base metal of any oxides or solvent oils. Next, choose your welding approach. One appropriate method is GMAW or MIG. Lastly, weld quickly. By welding quickly, you prevent prolonged contact with the arc, allowing the aluminum to bond quickly.
Welder size can determine the amount of amps produced. A small 115V welder produces about 140 amps. A 220V welder produces about 200 amps. United Rentals rents arc welders from 150 to 700 amp watt capacity.