plasma arc welding

Introduction

Tungsten inert gas welding (TIG welding), also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is an electric welding process that uses a non consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The arc is shielded by an inert gas, usually argon, and it works by heating the metal parts to be joined to a temperature sufficient to create a fusion, without melting them. It is most commonly used for welding thin sheets of stainless steel and aluminum, copper, magnesium and alloys, such as titanium and nickel alloys.

History

TIG welding was developed in the early 1900s and was first used for welding titanium, though the process has evolved and expanded to many other metals and alloys since then. The original concept was developed in the 1920s by Bell Laboratories, with further refinements made by G.L. Parkinson of the United States Air Force. TIG welding has been used in industrial and commercial welding since the early 1970s and continues to be the preferred method for many types of precision welding.

Process Overview

The basic process of TIG welding involves a power source, a filler material, an inert gas, and the non-consumable tungsten electrode. The electrode is the conductor of the welding current and the arc is created by electric current flowing between the electrode and the workpiece. The inert gas is used to create a shield that protects the weld area from contamination and keeps the electrode from being consumed by the arc. The inert gas also helps to increase the quality and life of the weld.

The most common shielding gases used in TIG welding are argon and/or helium gas mixtures. Argon is the most commonly used gas, as it is less expensive than helium, has higher welding speeds, and allows for the highest quality welds. Helium is more expensive, but it produces a higher current, which allows for increased penetration and a faster travel speed. The selection of the shielding gas will depend on the application and filler material being used.

Filler material is the metal that is used to create the weld joint. The filler material choices can vary depending on the metals being joined, the type of weld, and the desired strength of the weld. Common filler materials include aluminum, copper, magnesium, nickel, and stainless steel alloys.

Safety

TIG welding is a relatively safe welding process as long as proper safety protocols are followed. Protective gear such as flame resistant gloves, welding helmets, face shields, and protective clothing are mandatory. Regular inspections of all equipment, the use of the appropriate shielding gases, and the proper disposal of any expended material should also be done.

Conclusion

TIG welding is a reliable and accurate process that produces high quality welds. It is a versatile process that is used in many industries and applications and is suitable for a wide range of metals and alloys. The process requires skill and experience and a commitment to safety protocols, but once mastered, it can be used to produce strong and reliable welds.

Plasma arc welding is the process of joining two pieces of metal together by using a simultaneously created an electric arc and partially ionised gas, this arc is contained in a very small area. The arc’s high temperature melts the edges of the workpieces, allowing them to fuse together. Plasma arc welding is considered a superior welding process due to its versatility, speed, and ability to perform high-quality welds in difficult situations.

This form of welding differs from other process in that it produces a much smaller heat-affected zone. This is due to the high heat generated by the arc and the small size of the area being affected. The arc also produces less smoke and fumes, which makes for a cleaner, less hazardous process.

The plasma arc welding shield is also highly advanced. A shield gas is used to protect the molten metal from being contaminated. This gas is usually argon, helium, or argon/hydrogen mixtures. The gas must be of the appropriate purity and flow rate in order to protect the weld from oxidation during cooling.

This form of welding is used for many applications such as pipelines and Pressure vessels. It is also often used for welding thin materials such as aluminium, copper, titanium and dissimilar metals, as well as thicker metal components.

Finally, plasma arc welding is popular due to its ease of use and excellent weld quality. It is a cost-effective process, making it a great choice for many welding projects. It is also highly portable and can be used in nearly any workplace. With its high efficiency and numerous benefits, it is easy to see why plasma arc welding is such a popular choice.