Final answer:
GMAW, also known as MIG welding, is primarily used for welding metals together and is widely used in industry due to its versatility and the high-quality welds it produces.
Step-by-step explanation:
GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding), commonly known as MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, is a process used extensively across various industries for the primary purpose of welding metals together. In this process, an electric arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the metal workpieces, which heats the metals, causing them to melt and join. This method is favored due to its versatility, efficiency, and the quality of the welds it can produce on different types of metals.
Welding has been a fundamental technique for centuries, where metals are joined by heating them to a melting point alongside a filler material. This can be achieved using various sources of heat, such as gas, electricity, or laser. In history, forge welding was utilized by blacksmiths to join iron and steel. Today, processes like GMAW have industrial applications including the construction of vehicles, building structures, and the manufacture and repair of metal products.
It is important to note that GMAW is not used for cutting, polishing, or bending metals, which are different metalworking processes requiring distinct techniques and equipment.