What is TIG Welding : Working Principle, Applications, Advantages

Tungsten inert gas welding

Tungsten inert gas welding is also known as gas tungsten arc welding.

Working principle :

TIG stands for tungsten inert gas welding, sometimes called gas tungsten arc welding. In this welding process, the heat required to form the weld is provided by a very strong arc that forms between the tungsten electrode and the work piece. Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding uses heat generated by an arc between the non-consumable tungsten electrode and the work piece to fuse the metal in the joint area and produce a molten weld pool. The arc area is covered in an inert or reduced gas shield to protect the pool and non-consuming electrodes. The process may be operated autogenously, that is, without filler, or filler may be added by feeding a consumable wire or rod into the established weld pool. This kind of welding is mainly used for aluminum, stainless steel and other alloys welding, and it is especially suitable for sheet metal.

Components used :

·  Power Supply (A.C or D.C)

·  Filler Rod

·  Non-consumable Tungsten electrode

·  Welding Head

·  Inert Gas Supply

The success of the welding process depends on various factors such as shielding gas, wire, tungsten electrode, wire and welding process.

Advantages of TIG welding :

ü  High quality welding with clean welds

ü  In the welding process, the weld is automatically protected by inert gas, making the weld corrosion-resistant, more ductile and stronger.

ü  This process can apply for any position of welding.

ü  Manual or automatic operation is acceptable.

ü  It is well suited to thin materials and is used in a wide range of metal thicknesses.

ü  Because of the small heat affected zone, the workpiece deformation is small.

ü  Only the necessary amount of filler metal is added to the welding puddle so there is no spatter or sparks are produced.

ü  No slag is produced so welds are not weakened.

ü  Use one shielding gas mainly Argon for all applications.

ü  It is preferred in most complex pieces where the shape of each weldjoint is important.

Applications of TIG Welding :

ü  Stainless steel

ü  Alloy steel

ü  Aluminium

ü  Titanium

ü  Copper

ü  Magnesium