Welding is joining two materials, metals or thermoplastics, by melting and fusing them. It is a commonly used technique in manufacturing and construction and is becoming increasingly popular for home repairs and DIY projects. Several types of welding include oxy-fuel welding, stick welding, gas welding, and TIG welding.
TIG welding, also known as tungsten inert gas welding, is a type of welding that uses an arc to join metals together. In contrast, a tungsten electrode and an inert gas provide heat and protection from oxidation. TIG welding is a highly precise and versatile welding process and is used in a variety of applications. It is an excellent choice for welding thin metals, aluminum alloys, and stainless steel. It also produces a high-quality weld, which is why it is commonly used in manufacturing aircraft, automotive parts, and other critical applications.
Gas Used in Tig Welding
The gas used in TIG welding plays a critical role in the welding process. The main function of the gas is to shield the weld from contamination by the atmosphere, which can cause defects in the weld, such as porosity or inclusions. The gas also helps maintain the electric arc’s stability, which is necessary for producing a high-quality weld.
Several types of gas are commonly used in TIG welding, including argon, helium, and a mixture. The choice of gas will depend on the specific requirements of the weld, such as the type of material being welded and the desired weld characteristics.
Factors to Consider When Selecting a Gas for Tig Welding Include:
The type of material being welded: Some materials, such as aluminum and stainless steel, are more sensitive to contamination and may require a more pure gas to produce a high-quality weld.
The thickness of the material: Thicker materials may require a gas with a higher heat transfer rate, such as helium, to fully penetrate the weld.
The desired weld characteristics: Different gases can produce different weld characteristics, such as penetration depth and bead appearance. Choosing the right gas helps optimize the weld for the specific application.
It is important to select the right gas for TIG welding to ensure the best weld quality and avoid potential defects.
Argon Gas
Argon is a chemical element with the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is an unreactive noble gas and does not form compounds with other elements under normal conditions. Argon is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and is the third most abundant gas in the Earth’s atmosphere.
In TIG welding, argon is commonly used as a shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination by the atmosphere. In some cases, it is also used as a filler gas to help stabilize the electric arc and improve the weld quality.
There are several benefits to using argon gas in TIG welding:
Argon is a relatively inexpensive gas, making it a cost-effective choice for TIG welding.
It has a low heat transfer rate, so it does not cool the weld pool as quickly as other gases. This can be beneficial for welding thin materials, allowing more time to complete the weld.
Argon is a relatively pure gas, with a purity level of 99.996%. This makes it a good choice for welding materials sensitive to contamination, such as aluminum and stainless steel.
However, there are also some limitations to using argon gas in TIG welding. It has a relatively low heat transfer rate, making it more difficult to weld thick materials. It can also produce a narrower bead profile, which may not be desirable in some applications.
Overall, argon gas is a popular choice for TIG welding due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to produce high-quality welds on thin materials. However, there may be better choices for some welding applications, and other gases may be more suitable depending on the specific requirements of the weld.
Helium Gas
Helium is a chemical element with the symbol He and atomic number 2. It is an unreactive noble gas and does not form compounds with other elements under normal conditions. Helium is the lightest of all the elements and is the second most abundant element in the universe. It is colorless, tasteless, and odorless and is often used in balloons and blimps due to its low density.
In TIG welding, helium is commonly used as a shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination by the atmosphere. In some cases, it is also used as a filler gas to help stabilize the electric arc and improve the weld quality.
There are several benefits to using helium gas in TIG welding:
Helium has a high heat transfer rate, so it can quickly heat the weld pool and penetrate thick materials. This makes it a good choice for thick welding materials, such as cast iron or steel.
Helium can produce a wider bead profile, which may be desirable in some applications.
Helium is a relatively pure gas, with a purity level of 99.995%. This makes it a good choice for welding materials sensitive to contamination, such as aluminum and stainless steel.
However, there are also some limitations to using helium gas in TIG welding. It is a more expensive gas compared to other options, such as argon. It can also cool the weld pool more quickly than other gases, making it more difficult to weld thin materials.
Helium gas is a good choice for TIG welding when a high heat transfer rate is required, such as when welding thick materials or when a wide bead profile is desired. However, there may be better choices for some welding applications, and other gases may be more suitable depending on the specific requirements of the weld.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the gas used in TIG welding plays a critical role in the welding process. It is used to shield the weld from contamination by the atmosphere and maintain the electric arc’s stability. Different gases can produce different weld characteristics, such as penetration depth and bead appearance, and it is important to select the right gas for the specific requirements of the weld.
Argon and helium are the two most common gases used in TIG welding. Argon is a relatively inexpensive gas that is a good choice for welding thin materials and materials sensitive to contamination. However, it has a low heat transfer rate and can produce a narrow bead profile, which may only be suitable for some applications. Helium is a more expensive gas with a high heat transfer rate and can produce a wide bead profile. It is a good choice for welding thick materials or when a wide bead profile is desired.
Overall, selecting the right gas for TIG welding is important to ensure the best weld quality and avoid potential defects.
It’s been years since I got into welding as a side hustle. It’s been so long since Doing All kinds of welds for business and pleasure as this is my hobby. Being in this field I have learned from hands-on-experience also came to know what gears work and what doesn’t. The Tig Welder is my own platform where I use to share my experience.
Leave a Reply