If you are looking for mobile welding in Sydney, covering off a few simple questions first can help you make the right choice to get the job done right. It’s important to check the welder’s qualifications and experience, types of welding they undertake and their service area. We show how a few simple quality checks can minimise the risk of your business receiving poor-quality work.
Qualifications are Key
There are combinations of welding qualifications, with regulation and enforcement rules not particularly clear in Australia. There are mandatory qualifications and licences for some welding work, especially for commercial fabrications. A welder must follow the Safe Work NSW Code of Practice to ensure complete safety procedures are in place onsite. Here are some of the qualifications to check when choosing an onsite welder:
Metal Fabrication Licence
Certificate III in Engineering – Fabrication Trade is an engineering qualification for fabrication of all mild steel (MS) products and covers welding processes, metallurgy and geometrical tolerances. It is a baseline requirement for skilled workers and is available through vocation training institutes across Australia.
Certificate IV in Engineering (Welding) is also a common qualification providing the skills and knowledge to weld a range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials using oxyacetylene, gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) processes.
AS 1554
AS 1554 metal fabrication and welding covers the design, manufacture, alteration and repair of steel structures. It is a key Australian standard for any welder working on structural steel. AS 1554-2006 has specific language for steel fabrication work carried out in the field to ensure quality results. It is typically used by fabricating companies rather than contractors looking to hire a welder on an ad hoc basis.
AS 1796
The welder should hold an AS 1796 certification with a proven track record that shows they understand their craft. As a mobile welding service also carries all equipment required on the job site, whether for quick repairs or subcontracting, all mobile service staff need to be proficient in all types of welding materials.
What Welding Method is Used?
Any competent mobile welder will usually provide at least MIG and Stick welding services, but here are the main types of weld methods used in mobile welding.
MIG/MAG Welding
Metal Inert and Active Gas (MIG/MAG) arc welding use a wire-fed consumable tungsten electrode to create very strong joins, even between different types of metal. Inert gas protects the weld from atmospheric contamination, making this technique perfect for quick repairs.
Stick Welding
Stick/manual welding uses a flux-covered electrode that arcs when it contacts the weld site. It copes with rusty metal and difficult conditions, making it perfect for roadside repairs or on farms and construction sites. Our welding professionals have extensive experience with this technique.
Flux Coated Welding (FCAW)
FCAW welding services use a flux-coated electrode in the same way as Stick welding, but the wire is fed through a gun and into the weld site – making it faster and more accurate.
TIG Welding
TIG welding is a very precise welding method that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an electric arc. However, it’s usually not suitable on-site, as this method relies on inert gas to protect the weld area. It can easily be disturbed in uncontrolled conditions on-site, which can lead to poor-quality welds.
What Material Do You Need Welded?
Some welding projects require specialist knowledge and gear. Our welding vehicles are fully equipped to cope with the following materials:
Mild Steel
Mild steel welding jobs can include car chassis and trailers, farm equipment, frames and gates using both steel alloys and stainless steel. This is a speciality of Sydney Welders – call us for a quote!
Aluminium
Aluminium welding, using MIG, TIG and other techniques for onsite fabrication and repairs, is a common requirement in houses and commercial properties. It is important to understand the unique properties of aluminium and have staff who know how to prepare, weld and clean the finished join for maximum strength.
> Find out more about what to look for in an aluminium fabrication contractor
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel can be more difficult to weld. At Sydney Welders we can take on a range of steel or aluminium welding jobs, large or small, for industry, medical, food and commercial premises. This includes work on boats, cars, hot rods, sheet metal, gates and handrails, pressure vessels, fuel tanks, and ladders.
Check Your Costs
Depending on the complexity of the job, type of welding required and urgency, you can expect to pay a standard cost in the range of $400 for onsite mobile welding in Sydney – typically covering fabrication, travel and an hour of labour during business hours. The cost of your job will depend on the material, technique, and complexity, but a quick repair project usually takes around one hour. Most welders will have a minimum expectation to account for the time and cost of travelling to your site. A trustworthy welder will give a time and price estimate once they know more job details.
Experienced Mobile Welders in Sydney
At Sydney Welders we work with all the main welding techniques and materials to deliver clean and precise results. With robust quality assurance processes, AS 1796-certified skilled welders and competitive pricing, when you need a highly capable welder we can provide whatever onsite fabrication and urgent repairs you need. Our teams are equipped with the latest technology and are happy to work on any job, whether a small but urgent repair project or longer-term fabrication. Call us today on 02 8074 3446!