Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is an important process that has become an increasingly popular technique with professionals, hobbyists, and manufacturers alike. This specialized type of welding is used for a variety of tasks, from creating art pieces to repairing and welding thick metals used in construction and manufacture. But the question remains, what gas is used in TIG welding?
Recent studies show that helium is the main gas used in TIG welding, with up to 70% of welders using it for their TIG welding processes. This gas is typically used in combination with another gas, such as argon, in anywhere from 10 to 30 percent mixture.
With these two gases combined, welders can achieve higher temperatures and more a precise welding arc than with one gas alone.
What Gas Is Used For TIG Welding?
TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a popular welding process that requires a specialized gas called shielding gas to protect the weld from contaminants.The shielding gas also helps maintain a stable arc throughout the welding process. In this article, we take an in-depth look at the types of gases used for TIG welding and why they are used.
What Is Shielding Gas?
Shielding gas is a special gas that is used for TIG welding to protect the weld from contamination. It helps to maintain a stable arc throughout welding and is important for achieving a good weld quality.
The composition of the shielding gas will depend on the type of metal being welded and the welding process being used.
Types of Shielding Gases for TIG Welding
- Argon (Ar): Argon is the most common and widely used shielding gas for TIG welding. It is an inert gas that is used to create a stable arc and to prevent oxidation.
- Helium (He): Helium is often used as an additive to argon in TIG welding to increase heat input and transfer rate. It can also be used as a single-gas shielding gas for welding certain materials.
- Mixtures: Blends of argon and helium, known as argon/helium mixtures, are often used for welding aluminum and stainless steel.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Carbon dioxide is sometimes used as a shielding gas for welding carbon steel, though it can result in increased spatter and is not as widely used as other gases.
Why Are Different Types of Gases Used?
Different shielding gases are used to achieve different results. Argon is the best choice for most TIG welding applications due to its stability, but helium is often added to argon to increase the heat input and transfer rate. Mixtures of argon and helium are used for welding aluminum and stainless steel and can improve the quality of the weld. On the other hand, carbon dioxide is used for welding carbon steel but is not as widely used as other gases because it can result in increased spatter.