Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG)welding, is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by an inert shielding gas (argon or helium), and a filler metal is normally used, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. A constant-current
welding power supply produces energy which is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapors known as a plasma.
GTAW is most commonly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys. The process grants the operator greater control over the weld than competing processes such as shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding, allowing for stronger, higher quality welds. However, GTAW is comparatively more complex and difficult to master, and furthermore, it is significantly slower than most other welding techniques. A related process, plasma arc welding, uses a slightly different welding torch to create a more focused welding arc and as a result is often automated
welding power supply produces energy which is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapors known as a plasma.
GTAW is most commonly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys. The process grants the operator greater control over the weld than competing processes such as shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding, allowing for stronger, higher quality welds. However, GTAW is comparatively more complex and difficult to master, and furthermore, it is significantly slower than most other welding techniques. A related process, plasma arc welding, uses a slightly different welding torch to create a more focused welding arc and as a result is often automated
Why should I try TIG welding?
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Weld more metals and
alloys than any other process
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TIG welders can be
used to weld steel, stainless steel, chromoly, aluminum, nickel alloys,
magnesium, copper, brass, bronze, and even gold. TIG is a useful welding
process for welding wagons, bike frames, lawn mowers, door handles, fenders,
and more.
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Create high quality,
clean welds
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With superior arc and
weld puddle control, TIG allows you to create clean welds when appearances
count. Because the heat input is often controlled by pressing on a foot
pedal, similar to driving a car, TIG welding allows you to heat up or cool
down the weld puddle giving you precise weld bead control. This makes TIG
welding ideal for cosmetic welds like sculptures and automotive welds.
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No sparks or spatter
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Because only the
necessary amount of filler metal is added to the welding puddle, no spatter
or sparks are produced (if the metal being welded is clean).
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No flux or slag
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Because the Argon gas
protects the weld puddle from contamination, no flux is required or used in
TIG welding and there is no slag to block your view of the weld puddle. Also,
the finished weld will not have slag to remove between weld passes.
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No smoke or fumes
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TIG welding does not
create smoke or fumes, unless the base metal being welded contains
contaminants or elements such as, oil, grease, paint, lead or zinc. The base
metal should be cleaned before welding.
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3.
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Use one shielding gas
(Argon) for all applications
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Because Argon can be
used to TIG weld all metals and thicknesses you only need one type of gas in
your shop to handle all of your welding projects.
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4.
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Weld in all positions
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TIG welds can be made
in all positions - flat, horizontal, vertical or overhead. Perfect for roll
cages and inside confined areas.
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