If you’re looking to understand what argon gas is used for in welding, you’re in the right place. Argon is a noble gas that is widely used in MIG welding, providing a leveling effect and improving the overall quality of the weld.
Argon is extremely popular among welders, and research shows that 85% of welders use argon gas in their day-to-day welding tasks. Its use also results in a 30-35% productivity increased and an up to 50% decrease in the cost of consumables such as wire electrodes and contact tips. In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at the role argon plays in welding and outline the various types of welding operations that it is used for.
Ready to learn more? Let’s dive in and explore what is argon gas used for in welding!
What is Argon Gas?
Argon gas is an inert, colourless and tasteless natural gas.It is the most abundant of all gases in the Earth’s atmosphere, constituting almost 1% of its composition. It has the chemical symbol Ar and an atomic number of 1 Argon is non-combustible and non-toxic.
It has a boiling point of -189 degrees Celsius and a melting point of -183 degrees Celsius.
What is Argon Gas Used for in Welding?
In welding, argon gas is a shielding gas that helps protect the welding area from oxidation.When exposed to oxygen, most metals will form oxides on the surface and this can affect the quality of the weld. When used in welding, the argon gas forms a barrier, which keeps oxygen from coming into contact with the weld area.
This allows the weld to form without any oxidation occurring. Argon gas is especially useful for gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In GMAW, the argon gas helps to stabilize the welding arc, which allows the weld to form with greater control.
In GTAW, the argon gas provides a more focused arc, which allows for greater control over the weld and better results. Argon gas is also used in other welding processes such as laser welding and resistance welding.