It is not possible to do gas-free TIG welding without compromising the quality, aesthetics, and safety of your project. Shielding gas is required because it protects both the tungsten electrode and the weld pool from oxygen and other airborne contaminants. Without gas, you risk burning out the weld torch as it is also responsible for cooling the torch.

When you don’t use a shielding gas, you end up with an ash-looking, poorly done weld and an overheating torch. Therefore, TIG welding and gas should go together.

And not just any gas. The preferred type of gas for TIG welding is 100% argon for its capabilities and cost. This noble gas that makes up less than 1% of the earth’s atmosphere is non-reactive, making it ideal for a TIG weld. It does not oppose the metal material being welded, the tungsten electrode, or the filler wire.

Argon’s inertia is due to its configuration. The outer shells are complete so they do not need to give, gain, or share electrons with others. They are stable, denser than air, and non-flammable. Thus, TIG welders (and welders in general) favor this gas.

In a flat weld position, gravity naturally causes the denser argon to settle in place over the weld pool, shielding the molten material against contaminants.

Compared to other gases like helium, argon is cheaper and more able to protect the weld from airborne impurities and discoloration as it does not react with oxygen. This results in flawless, durable, and seamless weld assemblies that would make any skilled welder proud.

Other Gas Options For TIG Welding

Argon may also be combined with helium to increase penetration. Helium, another inert gas, has a higher heat conductivity property than argon. It allows more heat to touch the joint, thus improving the penetration.

Many welders likewise utilize this combination because pure helium is not ideal for manual welding. It’s a bit tricky to use with a long arc due to its ionization properties. Hence, it is more compatible with and widely used for automated welding.

While an overhead weld position works well with pure helium gas, a manual, flat position TIG weld is done better with pure argon.

nexAir Gases: Enabling Excellent Weld Quality

A welding project does not solely depend on the welder’s specialized skills and the quality of non-summable materials used. The outcome is also influenced by the kind and grade of shielding gas. And that’s where you can rely on nexAir. We offer superior welding gases in pure and mixed forms for all welding and fabrication processes.

The nexAir team is also equipped to train your workers in advancing their efficiency level by sharing with them nexAir’s KnowHow. We provide actual demonstrations in class settings which you can leverage to improve your manpower and reach your business’ next level in production and profitability.

Partner with us and take advantage of the right tools and techniques to help your business Forge Forward even amidst challenging times. The way to activate and sustain your growth is by combining expert skills and excellent materials.