Overview
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, is a form of arc welding commonly used for welding alloy steels, aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. In this type of welding, an electric arc created by an electrode of tungsten is used in the presence of an inert shielding gas, such as argon or helium. GTAW is used in a variety of applications, including automotive, aerospace and ornamental metal fabrication.
History
GTAW originated in the 1930s, after the development of alternating current and the tungsten electrode. Prior to this, welders used welding rods containing carbon and tungsten to manually create arcs. The first GTAW systems were cumbersome and difficult to use and were not widely accepted in the welding community.
In the 1940s, researchers at Union Carbide developed a GTAW system that used a manually activated switch to create a spark. This system made it easier for operators to use and resulted in a significant improvement in the repeatability of welds. The Union Carbide system was the first to use a shielding gas to protect the weld, reducing contamination and providing a higher-quality weld.
Process
GTAW is a three-dimensional welding process, meaning that the weld is applied in multiple directions. For example, on a tee joint, weld beads are laid on the inside, outside and top of the tee joint. This allows for greater control over the weld shape and size.
The GTAW process is also highly versatile and can be used on a wide range of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, brass and copper. It is also used on a variety of joint types, such as butt joints, fillet joints and T-joints.
GTAW is an arc welding process, meaning that it uses an electric arc to create a weld. The arc is created between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The arc is protected by an inert shielding gas, such as argon or helium, which helps to prevent oxidation of the welds during the welding process. The shielding gas also helps to control the heat and allows for a more precise weld.
GTAW is often used in conjunction with the addition of filler metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel. This allows the weld to be built up and provides a stronger weld.
Safety
GTAW is considered a relatively safe welding process, due to the use of an inert shielding gas and the ability to easily control the heat of the arc. During the process, it is important to take special precautions to protect yourself from the arc flash, which is an intense burst of light and heat produced by the electric arc.
The most common safety measures for GTAW are to wear protective clothing, such as a welding helmet, gloves and protective eyewear. It is also important to make sure that the welding area is well-ventilated, as the shielding gas can be dangerous if inhaled.
Conclusion
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is a form of arc welding commonly used in many industries, including automotive and aerospace manufacturing. It uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an electric arc in the presence of an inert shielding gas, such as argon or helium. GTAW is a highly versatile welding process and can be used on a wide range of joint types and metals. It is considered a relatively safe process, due to the use of an inert shielding gas, but special precautions should be taken to protect yourself from the arc flash.
