TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a type of welding that uses a consumable tungsten electrode to create a weld. For TIG welding, you will need the main equipment and other auxiliary equipment to serve during the welding process. If you want to know about this, you can refer to the equipment needed for TIG welding right below!
List of equipment needed for TIG welding
TIG welding machine
The TIG welding machine is a power source that performs fundamental or sophisticated TIG welding operations. The fundamental TIG welder has a CC power supply that typically produces DC current and can connect to a TIG lamp.
Advanced functions like pulse modification and AC balance adjustment are available on dedicated TIG machines with AC and DC outputs and high frequency arc initiation.
Since you can customize everything to your skill level and the metal you’re working with, having the power to manually adjust your AC balance is revolutionary. As a general guideline, if you notice oxides floating in the weld pool, you should raise the DCEP portion of the balance.
Welding Torch
The majority of TIG torches are made of tungsten, a rear cap, a collet body, and a ceramic cup. However, things might be a little bit different if they made use of the more sophisticated “gas lens” style consumables.
The torch used in TIG welding needs to be small, light, and completely insulated. The shielding gas is delivered to the arc area by the torch. Hose pipes, gas, and cables are all included in the welding torch setup. There are several sizes and types of torches. Different kinds of electrodes and nozzles are utilized, depending on the size of the torch.
The air-cooled torch is compact and lightweight. It uses a current of roughly 125 amps to weld thin plate. The Water Cooled Torch, on the other hand, is built to handle a maximum welding current of 500 amps. Compared to air-cooled torches, they are more expensive and heavier.
Tungsten electrode
The tungsten electrode is a crucial component of the TIG apparatus. The non-consumable tungsten electrode is in charge of most of the properties of the TIG welding process and concentrates the arc into a narrow location.
Tungsten electrodes are available in various sizes and shapes, and the type of electrode that is used depends on the material being welded, the thickness of the material, and the welding position.
Tungsten electrodes are classified according to their purity and the type of oxide coating on the surface. The oxide coating on the surface of the electrode helps to improve the arc starting and stability, as well as to reduce contamination of the weld pool.
Welding rods
Welding rods, also known as filler metal, are consumable electrodes that are used in various welding processes to fill the weld joint and provide additional strength to the weld. They are made of different types of metals and alloys, and the type of welding rod that is used depends on the material being welded and the type of welding process being used.
In TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), the welding rod is a separate piece of metal that is fed into the weld joint by hand. The weld pool is shielded from the air by an inert gas, such as argon, which is fed to the torch through a hose.
Welding rods are available in various sizes and shapes, and the type of rod that is used depends on the material being welded, the thickness of the material, and the welding position. They should be stored in a dry place and should be used before the expiration date printed on the package.
Argon gas cylinder
An argon gas cylinder is a high-pressure container that stores argon gas in a liquid state. Argon is a chemical element that is a member of the noble gases family and is commonly used as an inert gas in welding and other industrial applications.
In TIG welding, argon is used to shield the weld pool from the air and to prevent contamination of the weld. The argon gas is fed to the welding torch through a hose, and the flow of gas can be controlled by a regulator or flowmeter.
Argon gas cylinders come in various sizes, and the size of the cylinder that is needed depends on the amount of gas that is required for the welding process. The cylinder should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from heat sources and ignition sources, and should be handled with care to prevent accidents.
Welding protective gear
Welding protective gear is a type of personal protective equipment (PPE) that is worn to protect the body from the intense light and heat generated during the welding process. It is important to wear proper protective gear when welding to prevent burns, eye damage, and respiratory problems.
Here is a list of some of the welding protective gear that you should consider using: Welding helmet, gloves, jacket or apron, boots, and Respirator.
It is important to wear the protective gear properly and to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and care. The protective gear should be inspected before each use and should be replaced if it is damaged or if it no longer provides the required level of protection.
Frequently asked questions (Weld FAQ)
What is an argon gas cylinder?
An argon gas cylinder is a high-pressure container that stores argon gas in a liquid state. Argon is a chemical element that is a member of the noble gases family and is commonly used as an inert gas in welding and other industrial applications.
In TIG welding, argon is used to shield the weld pool from the air and to prevent contamination of the weld. The argon gas is fed to the welding torch through a hose, and the flow of gas can be controlled by a regulator or flowmeter.
What is a welding helmet?
A welding helmet is a protective headgear that is worn to protect the head, neck, and face from the intense light and heat generated during the welding process. It should have a dark faceplate that is made of a material that is resistant to the arc rays and the sparks produced during the welding process. The faceplate should be large enough to cover the entire face and should be positioned at a comfortable distance from the face to allow for good visibility.
What are welding boots?
Welding boots are thick, heat-resistant boots that protect the feet and ankles from the intense heat and sparks generated during the welding process. They should be made of a material that is resistant to the arc rays and the sparks produced during the welding process, and they should have a non-slip sole to prevent accidents.
Above are the equipment needed for TIG welding shared by weldfaq. If you still have questions or need advice on buying other welding machines such as electric welding machines, mig welding,… you can visit our Weld FAQ homepage.
