If you are in the welding career or have been interested in it, TIG and MIG must have caused you confusion at some point. These two have some slight differences which set them apart from each other.
For many years, TIG welding has been used by welders to weld thinner sheets that cannot be done using MIG welding.So let’s deep dive into TIG welding, how it works, what principle it follows, and what pros and cons it has.
What Do You Understand By TIG Welding Process?
TIG Welding or (Tungsten Inert Gas) commonly known as GTAW ( Gas Tungsten Arc Welding), is done using a non-consumable Tungsten Electrode, and the metal pieces onto the work have to be done. Welding is done by heating it by placing an arc between the tungsten electrode and the Metal piece.During this process, Shielding gas is utilized to prevent any kind of atmospheric contamination. Sometimes filler metals are used by some welders, and not in some cases.
The most important variables used in TIG welding include Arc Voltage, Welding Current (can be AC or DC), Travel speed, and Shielding gas (mostly argon and sometimes argon combined with helium) to prevent contamination. Once the welding process is done, the puddle is cooled down with the help of inert gas to prevent any chances of damage or accidents.
Working Principle Of TIG Welding
TIG Welding works on the basic principle of melting the metal when an arc is passed between the Electrode and the workpiece. It is then joined when the puddle pops up.
It is often filled with some filler metals, this way the weld has similar properties as the base metal. The filler metal is filled with the other hand holding the torch in one hand.
After joining this, the Shielding gas is sprayed to prevent any contaminations.
Main Pieces Of Equipment For TIG Welding
You need to have some pieces of equipment in hand to carry TIG welding to prevent yourself from harm and accidents. It requires more than a few handy pieces of equipment that are listed below.
- Auto-Darkening Helmet
- Gloves
- Welder
- Tig Goggles
- Jacket
- Tungsten
- The Gas Tank
- Rods, Grinders, and Sander
1. Auto-Darkening Helmet
Helmets are always essential for Welding. There are two kinds of it: Manual Helmets and Auto-Darkening Helmets. Both prevent Burns and bruises, but the second is recommended as it has more advanced features. But you can use Manual if you can’t afford Auto-darkening at the moment.
2. Gloves
Gloves are always selected on the nature of your project. The market provides various types of Gloves, including goatskin, flame-resistant, and Cowhide. You must choose gloves according to your needs, but goatskin gloves are recommended because they are flexible and light.
3. Welder
Welders are also of various kinds, but the most recommended is the 3-in-1 Type as they are perfect to perform small-size tasks to complex jobs.
4. Tig Goggles
Tig Goggles prevent you from harmful radiations that cause a deliberate reaction in the eyes. Simple Tig Goggles work for small projects, but you need Shading lenses if working with big projects.
5. The Jacket
The jackets come in the same fabric as Gloves. In goatskin, cowhide, or flame-resistant material. Here the flame is recommended to protect from any burning Effects.
6. Tungsten
The rods are present in the TIG welders for the torch. They are consumed while welding, so you need to buy more if you have to work for a long period.
7. The Gas Tank
A gas Tank is required to fill the shielding gas. It can be argon or argon mixed with Helium. If you don’t want to buy a tank, you can rent it for some period.
8. Rods, Grinders, and Sander
Grinders are essential for the sharpening of tungsten. You can use a bench grinder with a sander to do the same job.
The filler metal rod must be of the same size as the workpiece.
Working On The TIG Welding
We have given you a sneak peek at how tig welding works but now let’s have a deep dive into it.
Tungsten has a very high melting point than any of the other metals like Steel. So it can bear a very high temperature without melting and getting consumed in the process. Moreover, when tungsten is heated, the emission of the electron is enhanced which helps in the production of sharp and strong Arcs.
To start the TIG Process, the torch and the shielding gas Sources are attached to the constant power supply to produce a continuous flow.
The arc is produced between the tungsten electrodes and the metal piece to be joined.
Now the filler metal piece is placed between them and heated. It melts down and fills the cavity in between the workpiece and the metal to make the strong weld. (Some welders do not use the filler metal, but filler metal is recommended).
As the weld started, shielding gas (Ar or He) started spreading over the weld area to protect it from environmental effects and contaminations.
The TIG welding process demands high operation g as the welder has to use both of his hands in this princess. One hand to hold the torch and the other to pour the filler metal rod simultaneously.
What Is Tig Welding Used For?
TIG welding is mostly used for the welding of thinner metal sheets. Although it can be used for welding any kind of metal, welders prefer it as it is so clean and beautifully done with not much mess. Its beauty is that all the metals can be welded with it. The TIG weld Looks of superior quality with amazing penetration. It has long prevention from corrosion.
Advantages
- This process is less dangerous because of the reduced production of fumes, sparks, and burns.
- Due to less emission of fumes, it provides a lot of visibility to the wider.
- It helps in the welding of all kinds of metals, but stainless steel like Al, Cu, and Mg alloys can be beautifully welded with it.
- It is more in demand because of the precise welding of thin metal sheets.
- They have a huge capacity to prevent corrosion.
- It gives better control over the weld as both of the hands are working.
- It provides welding with precision and cleanness.
- You can deal with it in any position.
Disadvantages
- This process cannot be done by a simple welder. Complete and comprehensive learning is required.
- It is a slow process reducing the productivity rate.
- It can’t be done in any place.
- A small imperfection in the settings of the TIG welder can affect the output.
- Shielding gas spreads in the environment if done in an open space.
- TIG welding is expensive.
Conclusion
We have covered the most essential basics of TIG welding, its pros, and Cons. TIG is known for its precision, neatness, and cleanliness. But it requires you to be an expert; you have to do it yourself. A d causes you a lot of expense.
If you have any questions, let us answer them by leaving them in the comment section.
