Tips on Attaining High-Quality Results with TIG Welders

TIG welding is the common name for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). It is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The area around the weld is protected by an inert shielding gas, usually argon, carbon dioxide, or helium. In some TIG welding processes, a filler material is also used. But with autogenous welds, a filler material is not required.

TIG welding is mostly used to weld stainless steel sheet metals as well as other non-ferrous metal alloys like aluminium, magnesium, and copper. TIG welding process allows the user to have full control over the process unlike the other processes like SMAW or GMAW. TIG welding creates fine looking welds that generally have smooth surfaces. This makes TIG welding particularly useful where finesse is crucial or for ornamental purposes.

TIG welding is not an easy method to learn and master. It requires proper training in order to produce decent results and immense experience for best results. Some tips on attaining high-quality results from TIG welding are outlined here.

• TIG welding is a highly tough and time-consuming welding process that creates relatively low emissions. The user must be well-informed about all the equipment, complications, and safety measures of the process.
• TIG welding is highly useful with non-ferrous metal alloys and if the user is going to weld such alloys then it is the best procedure to use.
• TIG welding is a process that requires a properly cleaned surface in order to create a clean arc and fine welds. The user should properly clean the surface before welding.
• TIG welding should always be started with minimum power and it should be increased slowly. It is a penetrative process so the user has to evaluate the level of penetration before increasing the flow of the current.
• The user should not make mistakes in choosing the tungsten as different types of tungsten rods are used according to the material to be welded. Different metal alloys and their thickness determine what electrode to use.
• TIG welding is a slow process that requires a considerable amount of concentration to get the best possible results and the user should not be distracted or disturbed during the process.
• The user should grind the tungsten as even as possible. One can use a tungsten sharpener or a bench grinder for the purpose. One should not use an all purpose grinder for tungsten grinding as it can be contaminated as well.
• One should always use the gas lenses while welding the stainless steel. However, it is always better to use gas lenses for all types of welds but for stainless steel, it is a must.
• The user should consider the torch angle while welding. It determines the amount of penetration. If the torch is vertical then the penetration would be higher, but high penetration is not always desirable.
• One should not forget to properly check for the filler metals. The user should get a chart of filler metals that will help him to determine the correct filler metal for welding appropriate metal alloys.

About the Author:

Kym Morgan is the marketing director of eWelders.com.au, a leading online specialty welding site in Australia. They sell a massive range of MIG Welders, TIG Welders, ARC Welders, Inverter Welders, Multi-Purpose Welders, High Function TIG Welders, AC/DC TIG Inverters, Spot Welders and Engine Driven Welders in Australia. Their mission at eWelders.com.au is to gather Australia’s best range of welders and put them under one roof.