Overview of TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding

TIG welding has had many names and because it started in the 1941s many older welders may refer to it as “heliarc” welding. This welding was initially used in the war efforts to weld airplanes because it did a good job on aluminum, magnesium, and stainless steel.

The reason it was called “heliarc” is because it needed an inert gas as a shielding gas and helium was what was available at that time. As people began to experiment with inert gases they found that Argon was a better choice than helium because it is a heavier gas and had less flow rate than helium.

TIG welding has been found to be a better choice for flat welding because of its even flow. It was also found that TIG welders were able to make a

more stable arc and getting the arc going was easier. It is also important to note that the name was changed to TIG but no one actually knows why or when this happened.

TIG Uses Electrodes

The TIG welding process uses a tungsten electrode because it doesn’t burn the way a stick welding process does. Instead the tungsten becomes like a torch and generates the heat which is what actually melts the specific metal or filler metal. If you are welding thin metals you can do it easily with TIG welding. If you need to join thick metals the process becomes more complicated.

TIG welding is a process that has a learning curve and it can be difficult to create a strong TIG weld. Some experts say it is better to learn brazing or acetylene/oxygen welding first because it can teach how to make a good TIG bead. This is very important when you are attempting to learn this skill.

Versatility of the Metals

TIG welding can be used on most metals which make it a very versatile way of welding. Besides the usual metals like stainless steel and aluminum, you can also use it on nickel, copper and titanium.

When you compare TIG welding to other processes like MIG welding you will find it is a slower process. There are also TIG machines that can be used to do this type of welding which has been a welcomed addition to the process. This type of welding is often used in the automobile industry and is used to weld bicycle parts, motorcycles and other vehicles.

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