What is TIG Welding: A Definitive Guide

Welding is a commonly adopted method used for joining components. There are different types of welding methods, and among them, TIG welding is also very commonly selected.

This guide features a detailed insight into what is TIG welding, how it works, and how it differs from other weldings. So, let's read.

What is TIG Welding?

TIG welding is a method of joining metal components by a process that uses electricity. It melts the metal and joins the pieces together. It offers a versatile process that can be opted with different metals and creates very clean and finished welds.

How Does it Work?

TIG welding welds the metal components using a tungsten electrode, which is present in the torch. This torch creates a high-temperature arc, which helps in melting the metal and creates a pool of weld.

TIG welding also uses a filler metal and ensures a very strong joint. It uses non-reactive shielding gas, which helps protect the electrode and the component from rust and corrosion.

The gas is present in the cylinder, which flows and creates the arc using the TIG torch. It even has a power source, which is opted for using a foot pedal to control the current.

Advantages of TIG Welding

TIG welding has many advantages, and some of these are discussed below:

• TIG is a clean method that produces fewer sparks and smoke and, therefore, doesn't need any finishing.
• TIG welding helps to weld components using different positions.
• It offers a high level of control on the arc, and hence, very clean welds are achieved.
• It creates welds that are ductile and have strength. Moreover, they even offer high corrosion resistance.

Disadvantages of TIG Welding

TIG welding also has some disadvantages, which are as follows:

• TIG welding requires skills so that proper control can be exercised.
• The process of TIG welding is slow.
• It requires completely removing rust from the component.
• TIG welding doesn't work with materials that are very thick.
• In order to achieve the right welds, TIG welding requires maintaining the flow of gas constantly over the weld pool.
• It is expensive compared to the traditional welding methods.

TIG Welding vs. MIG Welding

TIG welding and MIG welding differ in many ways. MIG welding has a consumable electrode that can multiply the weld filter twice. The TIG electrode creates an arc, and when you need filler metal, you can add a hand-held filler.

TIG welding also takes more time compared to MIG and requires expert skills, which makes it expensive.

Materials Used in TIG Welding

TIG welding uses aluminum, stainless steel, and nickel alloys, mostly because it is suitable for thinner materials.

Apart from these, TIG can also help weld magnesium, iron, and copper, but it requires preparing these materials by using helium, pre-heating the material, and pre-cleaning it.

Practical Tips for TIG Welding

By considering the tips below for TIG welding, you can attain high-quality welds.

• The torch, when positioned at a forward angle, prevents the air pocket buildup, which makes the bead porous.
• A narrow and short arc length gives more control over welding.
• To keep consistency in the bead, a consistent travel speed is required.
• The weld pool must not be touched with the tungsten electrode.
• The size of the filler metal requires critical control.
• The tungsten electrode tip’s shape must be checked and sharpened using a grinding wheel.

Applications for TIG Welding

TIG welding is used very commonly in different applications, and some of these are as follows:

Aerospace Industry

TIG welding is used in the aerospace industry due to the ability of this process to weld materials that are thin in a precise way. It is suitable for aircraft frames, engine components, and fuel tanks.

Automobile Industry

TIG welding is also used in the automobile sector and welds aluminum and stainless steel components used in fuel lines and exhaust systems of the car.

Repair and Maintenance

Many damaged parts like structural components and the parts of machinery may require repairing which is carried out by TIG welding.

Decorative Applications

Craftsmen also use TIG welding to create decorative items and metal arts, as it helps to create clean welds.

Marine Industry

The marine industry uses TIG welding to weld the stainless steel and aluminum components consisting of frames, hulls, and tanks.

Conclusion

Going through the TIG welding guide above, you must have learned everything about it that you were searching for.

Now, when it comes to having hands-on high-quality components welded through TIG welding, you can get in touch with DEK. We offer accurate, neatly finished, and durable welds through TIG welding.

FAQs

When is TIG welding better than MIG welding?

TIG welding is better than MIG welding when it is used for architectural applications or automobile components. It creates very well-finished welds and does not require surface finishing. Moreover, it also has a low heat input and hence, the structure of the metals is preserved.

Why is TIG welding used for stainless steel?

Stainless steel is usually opted for applications that require aesthetics to be maintained and hence TIG welding can help here by creating neat welds.

Will TIG welding warp sheet metal?

Sheet metal is subjected to warping in almost all types of welding processes. However, if the welder is skilled and controls the amp rate of the TIG welding, the chances of warping can be minimized.

Does TIG welding require gas?

Yes, TIG welding uses inert gas and a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create welds.