What’s Gas Tungsten Arc Welding?

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Gas tungsten arc welding is a type of arc welding that uses an erosion-free electrical conductor tungsten. It is usually more difficult to master than other types of arc welding, but produces the best weld bead of all types of welds. Tungsten arc welding is typically used on thin metals and non-ferrous metals, including stainless steel and aluminum. It requires a shielding gas, typically argon, and a filler rod, designed specifically for the product being welded, to complete a weld bead. This type of welding is sometimes referred to as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.

Using an electrode that is not subject to erosion, gas tungsten arc welding creates a cleaner weld with less contamination than other forms of welding. This makes gas tungsten arc welding superior when welding softer, purer metals, such as aluminum. The welding process is made possible by the use of inert gas to protect the weld from airborne contaminants as the weld cools. Early gas tungsten arc welding was hampered by overheating of the tungsten electrode. The development of a water-cooled electrode soon changed the process, and the eventual realization of the AC welder eliminated any problems with gas tungsten arc welding, even on aluminum materials.

In gas tungsten arc welding, the operator strikes an arc with the electrode, commonly referred to as a torch, and begins to make a circular motion creating the weld puddle. The operator then begins to dip the filler rod into the weld pool to create a weld bead. While forming the bead, the operator pulls the filler rod away from the arc while keeping it within the shielding gas envelope. Failure to keep the rod in the gas would result in oxidation forming on the rod and contaminating the weld. The operator keeps repeating this process until the end of the bead is reached, where the operator typically reduces the heat of the torch to avoid leaving a crater at the end of the weld from an oversized weld puddle.

Unlike most forms of welding, gas tungsten arc welding produces no smoke. This creates a much brighter and more intense light from the arc. Always wear protective goggles when welding. You should also wear protective gloves and arm guards to protect yourself from ultraviolet rays which can cause skin damage, including skin cancer. The high heat and use of shielding gas can also reduce the amount of oxygen available to the area, resulting in operator asphyxiation.

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