Welding is an essential craft that is used to join two materials together, typically metals, and is considered one of the most versatile methods for joining materials. On an estimate, about 2% of the world’s population works as welders and more than 176,000 tonnes of welding gases are consumed every year.
Now, The question arises, what gas is used in welding? Well, the short answer is that it depends on the type of welding that is being done.
The type of welding determines the type of gas used, both in its composition and in its pressures. This article will explore the different gases used in welding and their respective applications.
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Let us dig deeper.
What Gas Is Used In Welding?
Welding is a process used to join two pieces of metal together by applying heat.In order for welding to work, it must be performed in a controlled environment that contains the right gas. The type of gas used in welding depends on the process being used. For instance, both oxy fuel welding and tungsten inert gas welding use different gases.
Oxy Fuel Welding
Oxy fuel welding, also known as oxyacetylene welding, is a process that has been used for many years. This process requires a combination of two gases to produce a flame used to weld metal objects together.The two gases that are needed are oxygen and acetylene. Oxygen is responsible for producing the high temperatures needed to heat up the metal to be joined. Acetylene is responsible for producing the flame.
Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is a newer process that has become more popular in recent years. This process produces a heat that is generated an electric current that passes through a tungsten electrode. The TIG welding process does not require a combination of gases for a flame, however, an additional gas is required.This gas helps to protect the molten metal from any unwanted contamination. The gas used in TIG welding is usually an inert gas, such as argon or helium.
Argon is the most common gas and it is preferred because it is less expensive and more widely available than helium.