Understanding TIG Welding

If you have a welding project that could benefit from being done on-site, you may not really care how the welder gets the project done as long as it is completed. Unfortunately, if you do not have some type of base knowledge of the types of welding, you may not make your request clear, or you may not be satisfied with their work once they arrive. TIG welding is just one of the many different types of welding, but the flexibility it offers lends itself to it being used on many different types of projects.

What Is TIG Welding?

Tungsten inert gas, or TIG, welding is also another name for gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). This is not a new process; it has been around since the early 1940s. TIG welding is most commonly used on steel and aluminum. It is a welding process which uses three basic components to produce a weld. These components are:

• A non-consumable tungsten electrode
• Inert shielding gas (this is usually argon, helium, or a combination of the two)
• Metal filler

During the welding process, the welder creates an arc between the tungsten electrode and the surface to be welded. The welder uses the shielding gas to protect the area from environmental contaminants and oxidation. The gas also helps to produce a higher speed when welding, as well as a clean weld site.

The metal filler materials are usually comprised of the same materials that are being welded. This aids in reinforcing welded joints, as well as maintaining strength and integrity when welding heavy metals.

TIG welding requires a higher skill level as a welder since a welder is having to use both hands to produce the product. They are having to hold the torch in one hand and feed the feeder material with the other. When done correctly, it is the most versatile type of welding and produces the highest quality of weld.

Although, this process can be used for most jobs, it is especially effective for:

• Butt joints
• Lap joints
• Corner joints
• T-joints

What Are The Advantages Of TIG Welding?

TIG welding can be used to weld a wide variety of metals and alloys. It can be used to weld a wide variety of alloys and metals, some of which include:

• Stainless steel
• Aluminum
• Nickel Alloys
• Copper
• Bronze
• Brass
• Magnesium, and more

It can even be used to weld gold. This means it can be used to make repairs around a job site, as well as around your home.

TIG welding is clean. Unlike other forms of welding, TIG welding can be performed in an inside as well as an outside environment.

• If your metal being welded is clean, TIG welding does not produce any sparks or spatters. This is because only the necessary amount of metal is being used for filler.
• As long as there are no contaminants, such as oils, grease, paints, lead, or zinc, TIG welding produces no smoke or fumes. 

​TIG welding can be used to weld from all positions. Because the welder is only feeding as much filler metal as they need, they will be able to perform any angle of weld. This means they can not only perform flat, or vertical welds, but they also will be able to perform overhead welds.

If you have an on-site welding job that you need performed and to learn more about welding options, contact a welding company in your area. There are even mobile welding companies designed to come to you to complete the job you need done. Inquire if they are able to perform TIG welding if that option seems like it would best fit your needs.