Seam Welding

Protocase provides TIG and MIG seam welding as a standard process. Seam welding is useful for making continuously joining sheet metal, such that they appear seamless. To seam weld, the pieces are clamped securely, welded, and then any excess metal is removed by grinding. The resultant continuously joined seams useful for eliminating EMI leakage or weatherproofing.

TIG vs MIG
MIG welding is faster (and therefore less expensive) than TIG welding. TIG welding is more controlled, and is used in situations where there is limited metal between a seam and cutout (MIG would be more likely to burn through in this situation), where distortion is likely, or where a neater weld is required.

On the negative side, seam welding is a time consuming, highly manual, craft-like process which makes it relatively expensive. It also creates heat that may distort the base material, and sometimes it is not possible to remove excess material (for example, on an inside corner). Our technical support personal can provide guidance on the use of seam welding.

The following materials may be seam welded:

• Steel, Stainless, and Galvanized (18 gauge or thicker)
• Aluminum (0.064" or thicker)