Heliarc welding has been an integral part of the metal-working industry for decades. It’s a specialized form of arc welding that uses a consumable guid tube in order to create a weld with minimal heat distortion to metal components.
It’s used in a range of industries, from NASCAR racing to aerospace engineering, because it yields a superior, high strength weld with superior control over the weld environment. In fact, heliarc welding accounts for over 65 million dollars in the US economy each year, making it one of the most commonly used processes in metalworking today. In this article, we’ll look further into the process of heliarc welding, with a focus on the definition, advantages, and applications.
We’ll also discuss the various equipment and materials required for a successful heliarc weld.
What is Heliarc Welding?
Heliarc welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is an incredibly versatile welding technique.It is used to join materials such as steel, aluminum and titanium specifically, due to the high temperatures required to preform the welding process. This welding technique is more efficient than traditional welding because of its increased heat, allowing for stronger welds and faster production times.
How does Heliarc Welding work?
The Heliarc welding system utilizes an electric arc created from an electrical source. This arc is passed through an inert gas, such as argon or helium, to form a plasma which transfers it’s heat energy to the work pieces.
The arc then melts the metal, which then fuses with the surrounding metal as it cools, effectively welding the two pieces together.
Benefits of Heliarc Welding
- High heat capacity, allowing for a stronger weld.
- It is an incredibly accurate welding technique.
- Higher tolerance of metal oxides, resulting in better weld quality.
- Welds can have a significantly higher strength than those of other welding techniques.
- It is very reliable and has a low risk of errors.
- Welds may be more aesthetically pleasing than other welding techniques due to reduced distortion.
- It can be used on a wide variety of materials.
Drawbacks of Heliarc Welding
- requires specific safety equipment such as helmets and gloves.
- the cost of equipment is high, making it cost-prohibitive for smaller jobs.
- it is a time-consuming process, making it difficult to produce parts in mass quantities.
- it is a highly-specialized skill, so it is difficult to find welders with the training to do Heliarc welding.