Educational
Expert tips, case studies and advice to answer all your welding questions
Overcoming the Shortage of Skilled Welders
Did you know that the average age of a UK welder is 55, and that by 2027, nearly half of them are expected to retire? That’s an alarming statistic, highlighting a growing problem in an industry that remains vital to the UK’s infrastructure, manufacturing, energy, and construction sectors. With demand…
Save More on Gas. Weld Smarter With GasiQ – The Rapid Welding Guide
Discover the best-value regulator for demolition and salvage welding professionals At Rapid Welding, we know that every penny – and every weld – counts. That’s why we proudly supply the GasiQ Optimator® range of regulators. Built for professionals in demanding industries like demolition and salvage, the Optimator® delivers proven savings,…
Case study: Helping 3MB Improve Bollard Cleaning with Laser Cleaning at Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton
Maintaining marine infrastructure comes with unique challenges, especially when safety, efficiency and environmental impact are all in play. While working at ABP in Southampton, 3MB approached us to explore new ways of cleaning and preparing bollards for routine structural testing. The Problem The existing surface preparation process was slow, disruptive…
How to Take Your Welding Skills to the Next Level
For 35 years, Rapid Welding has been supporting welders, offering a wide range of products to help you successfully complete your projects and improve your welding results. From MIG and TIG welders to plasma cutters and fume extractors, welding equipment is always improving. The latest machines can help you work…
Five Tips for Staying Safe While Welding
When you’re adding the final touches to a project or getting stuck into a big welding job, staying safe is extremely important. Your safety should always come first, and you’re in charge of making sure it does. Skipping safety steps can lead to serious injuries, time off work, or even…
Your Guide to Our 10 Most Popular Welding Products of 2024
In April this year, Rapid will be 35 years old, and so much has changed since brothers Roy, an Aircraft Approved Welder, and Rob, a Ministry Approved Senior Design Engineer, started the company from scratch in 1990. Back then, Rapid sold equipment from companies such as Norman Butters, T &…
Sustainability in the Welding Industry: What It Looks Like in 2024
As we navigate deeper into the 21st century, the welding industry, like many others, faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. The push for greener operations stems not only from regulatory demands but also from a growing awareness of environmental responsibilities and consumer preferences for sustainable products. In 2024, the…
Common Welding Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Welding is both an art and a science, demanding precision, patience and knowledge. Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional, mastering welding requires understanding the common mistakes that can occur and learning how to avoid them. To help, the Rapid Welding team have compiled some of the most frequent welding…
Safety Protocols: Protecting Yourself While Welding
Staying Safe Whilst WeldingWelding is an art that combines skill, precision and, most importantly, a commitment to safety. At Rapid Welding, we champion the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols in the welding process. This blog aims to educate those new to welding and provide a gentle refresher for…
Welding 101: The Basics Every Beginner Should Know
Welcome to the wonderful world of welding! Whether you’re considering a career in welding, delving into a new hobby or simply just curious, understanding the basics is essential. At Rapid Welding, we’re committed to not just providing top-tier welding equipment but also empowering our community with knowledge. So let’s dive…
The Fascinating Journey of Welding: From Ancient Techniques to Modern Mastery
Hello to our Rapid Welding community and all those curious about the art of welding! In this blog, we’re diving into what we think is the captivating evolution of welding techniques, tracing back to its roots and exploring how it has shaped the world we live in. The Humble Beginnings:…
Welding Through the Ages
Welding Through the Ages Welding has come a long way since its inception in the 19th century. The process of joining two pieces of metal together has undergone significant technological advancements, resulting in safer and more efficient practices. One of the most important tools in welding is the helmet, which…
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
Care & Maintenance Every welder uses RPE but do you inspect it regularly and keep records of this, for at least five years? The list of requirements and guidance is extensive and, of course, we recommend you do your own research and seek advice as needed but here is a…
Get Inspired with Hythe Group
Joining Hythe Group’s exhibition at Portsmouth’s Guildhall GET INSPIRED event, with Lincoln Electric We were delighted to join Hythe Group at the GET INSPIRED event in Portsmouth this week, along with Lincoln Electric. GET INSPIRED is designed to showcase all the great career opportunities within our industry, allowing young people to understand…
“We welders have our own distinctive bond, as strong as the metals we join.”
Charles “Charlie” Coffin