As you might have guessed, we’re pretty passionate about welding and ironwork within the Orduna family!
Welding goes back thousands of years and is intertwined with the rapid development of humankind – most people think it began in the Iron Age, but in fact, it goes back further than that. There is evidence that Forge welding, also known as ‘pressure’ or ‘solid phase’ welding, was first recorded around 3000 B.C.E. in Ancient Egypt.
Early Egyptians used a very hot charcoal fire to heat metal until it became pliable. The pieces were then hammered together to form the weld. Evidence of this welding has been found in the discovery of small circular gold boxes from the time, created by pressure welding lap joints together.
Braze welding was also developed in ancient times. Egyptian tombs, Greek ruins, and archeological digs throughout the Middle East have all uncovered artifacts, providing evidence of steadily improving brazing techniques over the centuries.
Egyptians and people of the eastern Mediterranean really took welding to new levels in the Iron Age, developing the art to make tools and increase the durability of weapons. Shaping the molten metal and then folding it back on itself before flattening it again was a common method of making stronger blades.
The blacksmithing art that we are more familiar with was developed during the Middle Ages, which saw forge welding spread across the planet, and blacksmithing became a common occupation. Charcoal furnaces and blowpipes were common tools of the era used for bonding bronze, silver, gold, and steel.
However, it wasn’t until far later in the 19th century that welding, as we know it today, with its complete safety gear, protective measures, and a welding helmet, came to be. In the early days, a combination of face masks and goggles was used in welding, with the concept of the welding helmet arriving in the 1930s when the demand for welders increased with the Industrial Revolution.
Traditional methods of welding were eventually replaced with electric and gas flames that were faster – and far safer! Arc welding became the most common method used in modern times, with the process of electrodes used to melt metal and carry it across an arc to fill a joint between metal plates first used in the 1800s and developed further throughout subsequent decades.
The welders of today are highly specialized professionals who can employ over 30 types of welding, utilizing electricity, gas, and laser beams.
Whilst the Industrial Revolution brought many advances to metalworking, the old methods are still in use and recognized for their lineage. They can produce beautiful results. The craft of welding are steeped in history and runs parallel with the development of modern society. We are proud to be part of a story that goes back millennia, and look forward to what we can achieve in this profession in the years to come.