TIG welding has become increasingly popular over the past few years due to its clear advantages over traditional welding methods; it requires less heat input and is far more precise than other welding methods. In order to operate a TIG welder effectively, the right gas is essential. More than
5 million TIG welders have been sold globally in the past 5 years and 95% of those welder owners report relying on an inert gas for their welds. So, what gas is needed for TIG welding?
In this article, we explore the options available and discuss what you should use for the best results.
What Gas is Needed for TIG Welding?
TIG welding (also known as gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW) utilizes a tungsten electrode to join two metal surfaces together by creating an arc to heat the pieces together. Gas is used to create a shielding shield over the welding area to prevent impurities from contaminating the weld.The type of gas used in TIG welding depends on the type of metal involved, the current type, and the welding technique.
Types of Gases for TIG Welding
The most common gases used for TIG welding are argon and helium.Both of these gases are inert, which means they are not reactive with other elements and can provide a consistent welding result. When welding aluminum and magnesium, pure argon is usually used.
For stainless steel, argon-hydrogen mixtures can be used to prevent weld defects. It is important to note that when using different gases, the welding machine settings must also be adjusted accordingly.
Purging a Weld with Gas
When welding tubes and pipe, purging is often used in order to prevent oxidation on the inside of the welds.Purging is the process of introducing a shielding gas, usually argon, into the weld area to protect it from oxidation and other contaminants. This is especially important when welding stainless steel, as it is particularly prone to oxidation and contamination.