How is Hardbanding Applied?

Hardbanding is most commonly applied using a modified MIG welding apparatus designed specifically to apply hardbanding onto a tubular surface. With this process, a continuous consumable wire electrode and a shielding gas are fed through a welding torch. An electric arc transferred between the wire electrode and parent metal melts the hardbanding wire and forms a fully metallurgically bonded hardbanding overlay. There are, however, other hardbanding application methods that are occasionally used including laser and plasma arc processes.