What is TIG Welding
What Is TIG Welding?
Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG welding) is another welding process that uses electricity to melt and join pieces of metal. TIG welding was invented in the 1940s to meet the challenge of welding magnesium and aluminium in the Californian aerospace industry. Since then, its popularity has grown phenomenally. This is largely due to its versatility, cleanliness and minimal finishing requirement. And its suitability for welding so many different metals. Read on to learn more…
TIG welding (aka gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW) is a sub-type of gas metal arc welding (GMAW). Although equipment details have evolved since its invention, the general principles of TIG welding remain unchanged.
TIG welding isn’t the easiest welding technique to learn and master, nor is it the cheapest. However, it will reward the effort you invest in mastering it. Make no mistake; the results that can be achieved with TIG welding really are amazing.
How TIG Welding Works
TIG welding uses electricity to create an arc (a short circuit) between a non-consumable tungsten electrode (a positive anode) and the metal being welded (a negative cathode). The arc is shielded by a flow of inert gas, typically argon.
A Non-Consumable Tungsten Electrode
Unlike the consumable electrode wire in MIG welding, the high (3422 °C) melting point of TIG welding tungsten electrodes means they won’t melt during welding. Instead, the arc between the electrode and the work melts the parent metal. At the same time (unless it’s an autogenous weld, such as a temporary tack weld), the arc also melts a separate welding rod of filler metal to form the weld bead.
Inert Shielding Gas
Meanwhile, the molten weld pool is protected by an inert shielding gas. This is typically argon or an argon mixture, although experienced TIG welders may use helium for faster welding under certain circumstances.
The shielding gas is fed along a supply pipeline from the welding machine to the TIG torch that holds the tungsten electrode. As with other forms of electric arc welding, when the heat is removed, the weld pool cools, solidifies and forms a new piece of fused metal – the weld is complete.
Because of this, when using a TIG welder, you need to co-ordinate interaction of a hand-held TIG torch with a filler rod as well as varying the electrical current. Keeping the electrode the correct distance from the weld, holding the filler rod tip in position, keeping both in the shielding gas and adjusting the current all add to TIG welding’s complexity.
The Versatility Of TIG Welding
That same complexity helps make TIG Welding so versatile for welding a diverse range of metals. Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, magnesium, copper alloys, titanium and gold are all TIG weldable. Even dissimilar metals can be TIG welded – and all with minimal mess.
Ever since the early days at California’s Northrop Aircraft Corporation, TIG welding has endeared itself to welders because of this versatility. And for its capability when handling tricky welds such as ‘S’ shapes, curves and corners. Or anywhere that welds will be visible, and where accuracy and finish are important – from a sports car chassis to your next DIY welding project!
Pros And Cons Of TIG Welding
As we keep saying, TIG welding is incredibly versatile and suitable for a wide range of metals. However, as with any welding process, TIG welding has advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the main things to know when considering TIG welding:
Advantages Of TIG Welding
TIG welding is suitable for widely-varying metal thicknesses. It is even suitable for very thin materials that are difficult (or impossible) to join with other welding techniques.
Superior arc and weld puddle (or ‘pool’) control delivers clean, attractive welds when appearances count. Because heat input (determined by electrical current) is often controlled with a foot pedal, TIG welding allows you to heat or cool the weld puddle for precise control of the weld bead. This makes TIG welding ideal for cosmetic welds on sculptures, architectural features and in automotive work.
TIG welding is possible in any position: vertical; horizontal; overhead.
Minimal smoke and colourless shielding gas means it’s easy to see your workpiece while welding.
TIG welding is very clean, with less spatter, smoke, sparks or fumes than other welding techniques. Because of this, TIG welding requires minimal cleaning or finishing, so you save time and money.
TIG welds are extremely ductile (less brittle), stronger and more corrosion resistant than other welds.
The best TIG welding machines also allow you to do traditional stick welding.
Disadvantages Of TIG Welding
TIG welding is relatively slow, especially when you’re starting out. Even done by skilled TIG welders, the process is often slower than other welding.
Because of its complexity, TIG welding comes with a steeper learning curve than other welding processes. As we keep saying, the rewards from mastering TIG welding are considerable, but you will need to put the time in and be patient while developing your TIG skills.
Because it’s critical to maintain a constant flow of gas over the weld pool, TIG welding can be very challenging outside the controlled (wind-free) environment of a workshop.
Compared to basic stick welding machines, a good TIG welder is more expensive. However, if you want to master TIG welding and reap its benefits, the investment in top quality kit, consumables and accessories is worth it.
So there they are, the main pros and cons of TIG welding. We say, don’t let this put you off investing in good-quality TIG equipment, practising hard and mastering the art and craft of TIG welding. Of all welding processes, TIG welding remains the most versatile. It’s also the one capable of delivering the neatest, highest quality, most impressive welds.
TIG Welding We’re Here To Help
Our TIG Welding Evening Class is a great way to try TIG Welding in an inexpensive way.
Our evening welding course you will be introduced to the basics of TIG welding including material preparation and finishing. You will learn the benefits of TIG welding over other welding processes. You will give TIG Welding a go and practice welding different types of metal.
Over the evening you will slowly build a small metal object from metal and then use angle grinders to clean up the welds and finish the piece.
This evening welding class is the perfect introduction into TIG Welding whether you are new to welding or have experienced other welding methods.
BOOK OUR INTRODUCTION TO TIG WELDING COURSE.
We have two R-tech TIG Welders at The Weld Space and are able to specific tuition on a range of materials. Thanks for the support R-tech
