TIG welding, or tungsten inert gas welding, is a standard method often used to create high-quality, clean welds and joints for various metals and materials. This welding technique uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that creates an arc when connecting with the workpiece.
The most common shielding gas used in the TIG welding process is argon, though other gases are mixed based on the types of metals involved in the project. A shielding gas protects the electrode and weld puddle from the outside atmosphere and oxygenation.
While many welding techniques use a filler material, TIG welding doesn’t require this as a part of the process. Metal pieces are joined when they are melted to fit together. Tungsten inert gas welding offers the option of using a filler fed manually into the molten weld instead of the welding torch, which is familiar with MIG welding.
Since the structure of the TIG welding torch varies considerably from MIG and other welding methods, the technique is different. It offers more options in terms of material options, metal thickness, and weld results.
What Industries and Applications Are TIG Welding Used In?
Various types of TIG welding methods are helpful in many industries. Two main TIG welding techniques involve using DC, which uses a direct current during the welding process, and TIG is also used with the AC option, which produces an alternating current.
TIG welding technique is commonplace in many industries, including manufacturing, aerospace, bicycles, automobiles, and thin, delicate workpieces. It’s especially ideal for nonferrous metals and produces a clean, smooth weld, which is ideal for various metals, such as nickel alloys, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, alloy steel, and magnesium. This type of welding is also widely used in tool and die repairs and specializes in projects that involve specific metals, including thin, lightweight materials.
Advantages of TIG Welding
TIG welding offers many advantages, which makes it the method of choice for many intricate projects and construction. One of the main benefits of a TIG welding machine is that it produces high-quality welds without slag or splatter, which appears professional and precise.
- An inert gas protects a TIG weld to produce quality welding results
- The weld is highly precise, so you can achieve a better outcome than stick welding or MIG welding. It’s a preferred process for experienced welders
- The type of inert gas used allows greater versatility for various metals
- TIG welding gas is considered more eco-friendly since argon is generally safe and doesn’t cause any adverse effects. For this reason, TIG or GTAW is one of the environmental welding options
- When TIG creates a weld bead, this technique produces a quality result, which means less room for mistakes and a cleaner finish
- TIG welding is adaptable for use in any position, so you can apply a weld upside down, on an angle, upward, horizontally, or vertically
- You can customize the amperage for your weld, which allows you to establish greater control over the process while creating a solid, durable joint
- TIG offers the most metal materials and processes, which aren’t available through other welding methods. You can use aluminum, steel, stainless steel, brass, gold, magnesium, and nickel alloys
- There are fewer fumes and smoke, which makes the process of TIG welding safer and cleaner. There are also fewer contaminants, reducing welding processes' hazards
- Shielding gases are easier with TIG welding, as argon gas tends to be the primary or only gas used in creating welds. For this reason, purchasing gas for TIG welders is just less expensive
TIG welding is highly versatile so that you can use it at home, creating precise beads and custom joints for any project, whether you’re repairing a bicycle or working on a vehicle.
Disadvantages of TIG Welding
TIG welding is a highly accurate, professional technique widely used by professional welders in many industries. While this method is among the top choices for experts, several drawbacks should be reviewed before selecting TIG as your welding method.
- TIG welding is a slower process, so you won’t see the quick results expected with MIG or other automated welding techniques
- The initial setup of a TIG operation is expensive, though follow-up expenses for maintenance, gas, and supplies tend to be moderate or reasonably priced
- This type of welding produces an intense light, which may pose a hazard during long periods of exposure
- Experienced welders are required for TIG welding, as it is a complex process that requires professional knowledge and training. This type of welding requires holding a welding TIG torch with one hand while applying the filler material with the other to achieve a result
- If the gas coverage isn’t sufficient, there is a risk of contamination while welding. The lack of gas or improper coverage may also impact the quality of the weld
- It’s essential to understand the polarity of your welds, which requires training to use TIG welding to its full potential. You’ll want to know all your options, including the option of using DC or AC with TIG welding
Investing in TIG welding equipment can be costly, especially during setting up and ensuring you have the suitable materials and supplies for the process. It’s also important to remember that different manufacturers may offer varying levels of quality, which means one type of filler material for a welding procedure will differ from one supplier to another.
While TIG welding is a great way to customize and control the heat and power you use for various metals and projects, this welding method requires an experienced or advanced level of knowledge before using tungsten inert gas welding techniques with good results.
With the proper training and support to rent and use quality welding machinery, you’ll have excellent results with the TIG welding process.
Where to Get TIG Welding Equipment
TIG welding is a diverse technique that’s one of the best methods for experienced and professional welders, including manual and automated processes. When you work with Sunbelt Rentals’ team of experts, you’ll have the opportunity to save on purchasing expensive TIG welding machines and supplies, with access to a wide selection of top-notch welding equipment.
We continuously improve and expand our inventory of advanced machinery for all your manufacturing and construction needs, whether you’re setting up a small workspace for delicate repairs or an outdoor building site with multiple stations and equipment.
Sunbelt Rentals offers an impressive fleet of plasma cutting and welding machinery locations across North America with a wide range of services and products for all your business needs.
