Inert Gas Shielded Melting Welding
Inert gas shielded melting welding is a precise welding process that uses a shielding gas to protect metal components from oxidation, contamination, and other forms of degradation during welding. This process generally requires a higher welding current than traditional welding processes, such as oxyacetylene welding; however, because the inert gas protects the components from contamination, it is especially useful in applications where precise welds with clean surfaces are required.
In inert gas shielded melting welding, molten metal is shielded by an inert gas shield, which is maintained constantly between the heat source and the weldment. The inert gas shield prevents oxygen, moisture, and other atmospheric contaminants from reaching the weldment, keeping the weldment clean and producing superior welded connections. This shielding gas is usually one or a combination of several gases including argon, helium, and carbon dioxide.
At the heart of inert gas shielded melting welding are the special torch or electrode used to create the arc between the workpiece and the heat source. Special torches may combine several functions that are typically handled separately in other welding processes—such as the power control and shielding. The electrode used in inert gas shielded melting welding uses a non-consumable electrode core in conjunction with an electrolyte tissue to create an electrical arc that is focused and powerful enough to melt the metal being welded.
The inert gas shielding process is used in a variety of industries with specific welding needs, such as aircraft, medical, and electronic devices. Inert gas protected melting welding has advantages over other processes, as it produces welds with little or no oxidation, spatter, or slag, and in many cases, the strength and metallurgical integrity of the weldment is even higher than for equivalent oxyacetylene welding.
Inert gas shielded melting welding allows welders to take advantage of advanced features such as narrow bead widths, thin root passes, and increased travel speeds on thinner materials that are not accessible with oxyacetylene welding. This process is also used to weld larger-sized materials, such as plates and pipes, with its higher welding current, as well as with its narrow bevels and high-speed travel capabilities. Because inert gas shielded melting welding uses non-consumable electrodes, there is no slag to clean up, facilitating efficient and fast welding processes.
Although inert gas shielded melting welding is a more efficient and cost-effective process than oxyacetylene welding, it does introduce the need for additional safety considerations. Because the higher temperature and current utilized in this welding process can create radiation and hot sparks which can ignite combustible materials or cause eye damage, care must be taken to ensure that appropriate safety measures are taken. This can include the use of special goggles, protective clothing, and safety screens to keep both the welder and bystanders safe.
Inert gas shielded melting welding has become an essential part of a welder’s tool set, as it provides greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness than oxyacetylene welding. By utilizing an inert gas shield to protect the weldment, welders can produce high-quality welds with less oxidation, spatter, and slag than oxyacetylene welding. However, it is important to take appropriate safety precautions when utilizing this welding process in order to ensure the safety of all personnel in the vicinity.
