TIG welding technique produces beautiful welds with high weld quality, so it is more and more widely used. However, in the process of use, the welder often cannot avoid questions about the TIG welding machine or some errors caused by the machine. Please refer to the article below for the answer to the question What gas is used for TIG welding? and Weld FAQ!
TIG welding
TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a type of welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The tungsten electrode is protected from contamination by an inert gas, such as argon or helium, which is used to shield the weld pool from the atmosphere.
This process is often used to weld thin materials or to produce precise, high-quality welds on materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and other non-ferrous metals.
What gas is used for TIG welding?
In TIG welding, an inert gas is used to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination. The most commonly used inert gases for TIG welding are argon and helium.
These gases are highly unreactive, which makes them suitable for shielding the weld from oxygen and other contaminants that can cause defects in the weld.
The gas is fed through the torch and forms a protective shield around the weld pool as the weld is being made. This helps to produce high-quality welds with good appearance and mechanical properties.
Argon
Argon is a commonly used gas for TIG welding because it is an inert gas that is highly unreactive. It is also relatively inexpensive compared to other inert gases.
When used as a shielding gas in TIG welding, argon helps to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination. This is important because contaminants can affect the quality of the weld, including its appearance and mechanical properties.
Argon is also a good choice for TIG welding because it has a low ionization potential, which makes it easier to start the arc. It is commonly used for welding a variety of metals, including steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and copper alloys.
Helium
Helium is another inert gas that is commonly used for TIG welding. Like argon, it is highly unreactive and helps to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination.
Helium has a number of properties that make it a good choice for TIG welding in certain situations. One of the main advantages of using helium as a shielding gas is that it has a higher heat conductivity than argon. This means that it can transfer heat more efficiently to the weld, which can be beneficial for welding thicker materials or for increasing welding speed.
Helium is also less dense than air, which can make it easier to start the arc in some cases. However, helium is more expensive than argon, so it is generally used when the benefits of using helium outweigh the additional cost.
Besides Argon and Helium, what other gas does TIG welding use?
In addition to argon and helium, there are a few other gases that are commonly used for TIG welding. One of these is nitrogen. Nitrogen is an inert gas that is often used for TIG welding aluminum and aluminum alloys. It can help to improve the weld’s mechanical properties and increase its resistance to corrosion. Nitrogen is also less expensive than argon and helium, so it is an attractive option for some applications.
Another gas that is sometimes used for TIG welding is a mixture of argon and hydrogen. This gas mixture can be used to weld a variety of metals, including steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. It is often used for welding thin materials, as it can help to improve the weld’s penetration and reduce the risk of burn-through.
Another example is carbon dioxide (CO2), which is sometimes used as a shielding gas for TIG welding steel. CO2 is less expensive than argon or helium, but it can cause porosity in the weld and can lead to welds with poor mechanical properties. It is generally not used for welding high-quality, critical welds.
There are also a few other gases that are occasionally used for TIG welding, such as neon, krypton, and xenon. However, these gases are generally more expensive and less commonly used than argon, helium, and nitrogen.
Frequently asked questions (Weld FAQ)
What is the effect of TIG welding with Argon gas?
The use of argon gas in TIG welding also has a number of other benefits:
- Arc stability: Argon helps to stabilize the arc, making it easier to maintain a consistent welding process.
- Weld appearance: Argon produces a smooth, neat weld bead with minimal spatter.
- Weld penetration: Argon can help to improve the penetration of the weld, particularly when welding thin materials.
- Weld strength: Argon produces strong, high-quality welds that are resistant to cracking and other defects.
When TIG welding, how are the gases required?
In TIG welding, the commonly used shielding gas is Argon, so this welding machine is also known as an Argon gas welding machine. Protective argon gas in TIG welding needs to meet strict requirements for purity up to 99.967% and extremely low water vapor ratio (less than 0.005mg/l).
Another gas that is also commonly used as a shielding gas in TIG welding is helium. Usually this gas is used in a mixture with Argon gas and the helium content can be up to 75%.
In addition, less commonly, there is a mixture of Argon and Hydrogen in stainless steel welding (the proportion of hydrogen gas is 5%, 15% or 35%). In copper welding, it is common to use a mixture of Argon and Nitrogen shielding gases.
Final Thoughts
What gas is used for TIG welding? TIG welding uses Argon and Helium gases to protect the weld area from atmospheric pollution. Argon is the most common gas used in TIG welding. Helium can also be added to the gas mixture to increase the heat of the arc. Other gases sometimes used in TIG welding include hydrogen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen and more.
The specific gas/gas mixture used in TIG welding can vary depending on the material being welded and the desired welding characteristics.It’s important to use the correct gas mixture for TIG welding to ensure the best possible weld quality and to minimize the risk of defects. Consult a welding supplier or the manufacturer of the materials being welded for recommendations on the appropriate gas mixture to use.
