Introduction
TIG welding is a method of welding that utilizes tungsten electrodes to heat two base metals to welding temperature in order to join them together. TIG welding takes place between the two base materials, which are typically steel or aluminum. The welding process is driven by the addition of the filler material like rods, solder or strips of metal which are joined together by melting and then cooled. The TIG welding torch employs argon gas which protects the base metals from oxidation and contamination. The welder uses a foot pedal to increase or decrease current flow, allowing the welder precise control over the arc, enabling high-precision welds with superior results.
Advantages
TIG welding has a number of advantages that make it ideal for many tasks. First, it is well suited for joining thin sections of metal because the welder can precisely control the arc and fine tune the results. In addition, TIG welding produces consistent and smooth welds with a superior finish. There is very little spatter and less distortion to the pieces due to its lower heat inputs, and welds can often be made in one single pass.
The process is much cleaner as well, allowing for easier post weld cleanup. TIG welding also does not require flux like some other welding processes, and it produces less hazardous particulates such as smoke and fumes due to its inert gas shielding. It can be used for welding both ferrous and non- ferrous materials which gives it great versatility.
Disadvantages
One of the main disadvantages to TIG welding is that the process takes a lot of time and relies on the skill of the welder. The TIG welding process is a lot slower than other forms of welding because the welder needs to be very precise and careful to maintain the correct arc and current flow and feed the wire accurately. This makes it an unsuitable process for heavy welding jobs or when speed is a consideration.
Furthermore, the equipment and supplies necessary to do TIG welding are typically more expensive than more conventional welding systems. This is due to the complexity of the equipment and consumables like torches, electrodes and gas required for the process.
Conclusion
TIG welding has many advantages and is ideal for high-precision welding with superior results. It produces smooth, consistent welds with minimal spatter, distortion, or smoke and fumes, and can weld both ferrous and non-ferrous metals. However, the process takes a lot of time and is reliant on a skilled welder for best results, and it is more costly than other welding processes. Nevertheless, TIG welding can produce superior results for a wide range of applications and is undoubtedly a great choice for many applications.
