Frequently asked questions about welding in Panama

The most common processes are SMAW or stick welding, ideal for structures and field work; MIG/MAG (GMAW), fast and clean for production and sheet metal; TIG (GTAW), the most precise, used on stainless steel, aluminum and pipe roots; and oxy-acetylene welding, for cutting and light work. The choice depends on the metal, the thickness and the final use of the part. At Gallardía we select the right process for each job.

Structural steel welding is governed internationally by the AWS D1.1 code (Structural Welding Code, Steel) from the American Welding Society, a common reference in design and construction in Panama. That code defines the procedures, welder qualification and acceptance criteria for the joints. For roofs, columns, beams and gates we follow those good practices of joint preparation, bead and quality control.

Welding of boilers, pressure vessels and associated piping is governed by the ASME code, Section IX, which sets the qualification of the procedure (WPS) and the welder (WPQ); for power piping ASME B31.1 applies, and for process piping ASME B31.3. These are jobs where joint integrity is critical. Gallardía performs pipe welding for boilers and pressure systems using those standards as a technical reference.

In Panama, welder training and certification is offered by INADEH (for example, Certification in Oxy-acetylene and Electric Welding), and for specialized work international qualifications such as AWS or ASME are used. Gallardía's staff holds welding certifications, which we make available to the client on request when the project calls for it.

They are coated electrodes classified by the AWS A5.1 standard. The 6011 penetrates well and tolerates dirty or rusty surfaces, useful for repairs and field work; the 6013 gives a smooth arc and good finish on sheet and light work; the 7018 is low hydrogen, with high strength and toughness, suited to structures and load-bearing joints. Choosing the right electrode for the metal and position is key to a safe joint.

Stainless steel is normally welded with the TIG (GTAW) process, which offers great control and a clean bead, or with MIG using the right gas and filler. It is important to use the correct filler material and control heat input so the corrosion resistance is not affected. Gallardía works stainless steel on handrails, industrial kitchens, piping and parts where hygiene or the environment demands it.

Welding requires personal protective equipment (a helmet with the proper filter, gloves, apron and safety footwear), good ventilation due to metal fumes, and fire risk control with a hot work permit when working near flammable materials. Bystanders are also protected from arc radiation. Our staff applies these measures on every job, on site or in operating facilities.

In high-pressure piping the usual approach is a TIG (GTAW) root for clean penetration and a fill with stick or MIG, following a procedure qualified to ASME Section IX. Root quality and the absence of defects are decisive. Gallardía performs this type of joint on piping for boilers and pressure systems.

The filler material is chosen according to the base metal, its thickness, the welding position and the service of the part. The idea is for the filler to match or exceed the properties of the base metal. For structural carbon steel, electrodes such as the 7018 are used; for stainless, fillers of the same family; for aluminum, specific fillers. A correct choice prevents cracks and weak joints.

Gallardía offers welding service throughout Panama for homes, businesses, condominiums and industry. We handle everything from spot repairs to metal structures and piping, with a single point of contact and a free quote. Write to us on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732 and tell us what you need welded.

Yes. We have a mobile welding service: we bring the equipment to your home, job site or premises to solve the work on site, which is especially useful for gates, railings, structures and repairs that cannot be moved. Schedule your visit on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732.

Yes, we handle urgent work such as a gate that gave way, a structure or railing at risk or a repair that halts a business. Write to us on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732 describing the situation and we coordinate service as soon as possible.

Yes. Welding of structures, metal roofs, gates, railings, guardrails and ironwork in general is a core part of our work, following good practices from the AWS D1.1 code. Request your free quote on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732.

Yes. Pipe welding for boilers and pressure systems is our technical specialty, a job that demands experience and following the applicable ASME standards. Tell us the characteristics of the system on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732 to assess and quote.

Yes. We repair and reinforce gates, railings, guardrails and ironwork parts, and we also fabricate custom pieces. We work on site with mobile welding when the piece cannot be moved. Request your quote on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732.

The cost of a welding job depends on the material, the thickness, the access and whether it is a structure, ironwork or pressure piping, so we prefer to assess it before giving a price. The quote is free. Send us photos and details on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732 and we reply with a clear proposal.

Yes. We serve companies, condominiums and job sites as a single welding and maintenance provider, coordinating schedules so as not to disrupt operations. Write to us on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732 to discuss your project.

Yes. Our staff holds welding certifications, which we make available to the client on request when the project calls for it. That way you hire with the confidence of work done by trained personnel. Ask on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732.

We work carbon steel and structures, and also stainless steel with the TIG process for parts where finish or corrosion resistance matters. For aluminum or other special materials we assess the case before committing. Tell us what material you need welded on WhatsApp at +507 6242-1732.

Welding is a joining process that fuses two or more metal parts by applying heat, pressure or both, with or without filler material, to form a permanent joint. The American Welding Society (AWS), the international technical reference, defines it as a localized coalescence of metals. There are dozens of processes (arc, gas, resistance), and the right one depends on the material, the thickness and the use of the part.

SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), known as stick welding, uses a consumable coated electrode that forms the arc and, as it melts, produces gas and slag that protect the weld pool. Carbon steel electrodes are classified under the AWS A5.1 standard. It is the most versatile process for structures, repair and field work, because it needs no external gas.

GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) is called MIG with inert gas (argon) and MAG with active gas (CO2 or mixes). It feeds a continuous wire shielded by gas and is covered by the AWS A5.18 standard for carbon steel. It is fast, clean and easy to learn, ideal for sheet metal and production, though it needs wind protection, so it performs best in the shop.

GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), or TIG, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert gas (argon) to shield the arc, with optional manual filler. It is the most precise and clean process, used on stainless steel, aluminum and pipe roots. Fillers follow AWS standards such as A5.9 (stainless) and A5.10 (aluminum). It requires more skill and is slower than MIG or stick.

Oxy-acetylene welding (OAW) melts the metal with an oxygen and acetylene flame, with or without filler rod. It is a traditional process used on thin sheet, copper and brass, and for cutting and heating. Today it is used less than arc processes for structures, but it remains useful for repairs and where there is no electricity.

There is no absolute best: it depends on the job. MIG (GMAW) is faster, easier and cheaper for production, sheet metal and light structures. TIG (GTAW) is more precise and clean, ideal for stainless steel, aluminum, piping and parts where finish matters. The choice is set by the material, the thickness and the required result, following AWS good practices.

Under the AWS A5.1 standard, in an E7018 electrode the letter E means electrode; the first two digits (70) are the tensile strength in thousands of psi (70,000 psi); the third digit (1) means all positions; and the last (8) the coating and current type, in this case low hydrogen with iron powder. This coding allows the correct electrode to be chosen in a standardized way.

The E6010, classified by the AWS A5.1 standard, is a cellulosic, deep-penetration electrode that runs on direct current with reverse polarity (DCEP). It is widely used on pipe root passes and field work, because it penetrates through rust and dirt. It requires a bit more skill than the 6011 and is common in pipe welding.

The E6011 (AWS A5.1 standard) is a cellulosic electrode similar to the 6010 but that runs on both alternating (AC) and direct (DC) current. It penetrates well and tolerates dirty, rusty or painted surfaces, so it is widely used for repairs and field work with simple machines. Its tensile strength is 60,000 psi.

The E6013 (AWS A5.1 standard) is a smooth-arc, easy-to-run electrode with medium penetration and a good finish. It is used on thin sheet, light work and joints where appearance matters. It runs on AC and DC, which makes it popular for training and general low-structural-demand jobs.

The E7018 (AWS A5.1 standard) is a low-hydrogen electrode with iron powder, 70,000 psi strength, high toughness and excellent joint quality. It is used on structures, load-bearing joints and higher-responsibility steels. It must be kept dry, stored in an oven, because it absorbs moisture that can cause hydrogen cracking.

It is an electrode whose coating adds very little hydrogen to the weld pool, such as the E7018 from the AWS A5.1 standard. Trapped hydrogen can cause cold cracking, especially in higher-strength or thicker steels. That is why these electrodes are stored dry and baked per the manufacturer and applicable codes such as AWS D1.1 or ASME Section IX.

The amperage depends on the electrode diameter and the position. According to tables from recognized manufacturers (for example Lincoln Electric and Miller) and the AWS A5.1 classification, a 1/8 inch 6011 runs at roughly 75 to 125 amps. The exact value comes from the electrode data sheet and the real conditions of the part.

According to manufacturer tables (Lincoln Electric, Miller) and the AWS A5.1 classification, a 1/8 inch 7018 usually runs between roughly 110 and 165 amps, depending on position and thickness. The exact value is read from the electrode data sheet, since an incorrect amperage causes lack of fusion or undercut.

In vertical-up, the 7018 is run from bottom to top, with slightly lower amperage than flat and a controlled motion that lets the pool solidify. On structural joints the technique must follow a qualified procedure per codes such as AWS D1.1. It is a demanding position that requires practice and fine arc adjustment.

FCAW (Flux Cored Arc Welding) uses a tubular wire filled with flux that provides its own shielding, with or without additional gas. It is covered by the AWS A5.20 standard for carbon steel. It offers a high deposition rate and good outdoor performance in its self-shielded form, so it is used on structures and field work.

SAW (Submerged Arc Welding) is a mechanized process in which the arc is covered by a granular flux that shields it, with no visible sparks. It produces large, clean beads at high speed, so it is used in the factory for vessels, beams and large-diameter pipe. Its consumables follow AWS standards such as A5.17.

Aluminum is normally welded with TIG (GTAW) for precision parts or with MIG (GMAW) for higher speed, always with inert gas. The filler is chosen by alloy, per the AWS A5.10 standard. Aluminum requires good pre-cleaning and heat control, because it conducts heat well and forms a high-melting-point oxide layer.

Copper is joined with brazing or with TIG, depending on thickness and use. Its high thermal conductivity demands more heat input or preheating. In plumbing, brazing with silver or copper-phosphorus fillers is common; for higher-demand joints, TIG with the right filler is used, following AWS guidance.

Yes, but it requires care because cast iron is brittle and sensitive to thermal shock. It is welded with specific electrodes, many nickel-based, and often with preheating and slow cooling to avoid cracks. Electrode and procedure selection follow the manufacturer's recommendations and AWS good practices. It is best left to experienced personnel.

Porosity is trapped gas voids in the bead. Its typical causes, described in AWS technical literature, are a dirty surface (rust, grease, moisture or paint), insufficient shielding gas or drafts, a wet electrode and too long an arc. It is corrected by cleaning the joint, shielding from wind, drying the consumables and adjusting the parameters.

Lack of fusion is usually due to low amperage, too fast travel, a misdirected arc or a dirty surface: the filler is deposited without melting the base metal and the joint is weak. It is fixed by setting the amperage to the electrode sheet, cleaning the joint and keeping the correct technique, with a qualified procedure on structural work (AWS D1.1).

Excess spatter usually comes from wrong amperage or voltage, too long an arc, incorrect polarity, the wrong gas or a wet electrode. It is reduced by setting the parameters to the manufacturer's recommendation, shortening the arc and using the right gas and polarity. It does not affect strength if fusion is good, but it dirties the part and adds cleanup.

The arc emits intense ultraviolet and infrared radiation that can cause arc eye or keratitis, a painful burn of the cornea. The safety standard ANSI Z49.1, Safety in Welding, Cutting, and Allied Processes, requires eye protection with the proper filter shade. You must never look at the arc without a helmet, not even briefly or from a distance.

It depends on the process and the amperage. Per the ANSI Z49.1 standard guide and AWS tables, for stick (SMAW) at medium amperages shades 10 to 12 are used, and up to 13 or 14 for high currents. Auto-darkening helmets adjust the shade automatically. The goal is to protect from radiation without losing sight of the weld pool.

Yes. Welding fumes contain metal particles and gases that can harm health with prolonged exposure; some, like manganese or the hexavalent chromium from stainless, are especially harmful. The ANSI Z49.1 standard and exposure limits from bodies such as ACGIH require adequate ventilation, extraction and, where applicable, respiratory protection. You should not weld in enclosed spaces without ventilation.

Per the ANSI Z49.1 standard, the welder needs a helmet with the proper filter shade, leather gloves, fire-resistant clothing covering the skin, safety footwear and, where applicable, respiratory and hearing protection. Fire risk is also controlled and bystanders protected from arc radiation. Proper protective equipment is mandatory on every welding job.

In direct current, polarity defines the direction electrons flow. In DCEP (reverse polarity, positive electrode) there is greater penetration, typical of 6010, 6011 and 7018. In DCEN (straight polarity, negative electrode) there is more deposit and less penetration. Choosing the right polarity, indicated by the manufacturer and the AWS A5.1 classification, is key to a good joint.

The ground clamp is connected directly to the part to be welded or to a metal table in good contact with it, as close as possible to the work area and on clean metal. Poor ground contact produces an unstable arc, spatter and lack of penetration. For safety and quality, the return must not pass through chains, bearings or unrelated structures.

It depends on the process and the material. In MIG (GMAW) argon, CO2 or argon-CO2 mixes are used per the AWS A5.18 standard; in TIG (GTAW) argon or argon-helium is used. The gas protects the molten pool from the oxygen and nitrogen in the air, which cause porosity and brittleness. The right gas directly affects penetration, finish and spatter.

A WPS (Welding Procedure Specification) is the document that defines how a weld must be made: process, material, filler, amperage, preheat and more. Codes such as ASME Section IX and AWS D1.1 require that, on responsible work, the procedure and the welder be qualified (WPS and WPQ). This ensures the joint meets strength and safety requirements, essential in structures and pressure piping.

It is welding performed under water, in the repair of marine structures, docks and hulls. It follows the AWS D3.6M Underwater Welding Code and requires certified diver-welders and special equipment. It is highly specialized and dangerous work. Gallardía does not offer underwater welding; we focus on structures, ironwork and piping on land.

Yes, but with caution: welding galvanized steel releases zinc oxide fume, which can cause what is known as welder's fever. The ANSI Z49.1 standard requires removing the coating in the joint area when possible, ventilating well and using extraction or respiratory protection. With those measures the work is safe, and at Gallardía we always apply them.