Known as a fundamental process to various industries, welding not only demands precision and strength, but also quality in its execution. While there are many factors that play into this, the choice of shielding gas remains at the top of the list of determining the efficiency and quality of the overall welding process. In fact, one gas in specific, has and continues to revolutionize welding techniques by dramatically improving penetration and weld quality. This gas is known as helium. 

At nexAir, we strive to provide our customers of all backgrounds with the most consistent supply of the highest quality helium available. This has allowed many welders and customers to Forge Forward with an enhanced performance, increased productivity and so much more. Keep reading as we share our KnowHow on the ins and outs of how helium has become a transformative element in the welding industry. 

 

Enhanced Penetration and Heat Input

One of the main benefits of using helium in welding is its ability to augment penetration and heat input during the process. When used as a shielding gas in gas tungsten arc welding or TIG welding, helium provides a deeper penetration into the base of the metal due to its high thermal conductivity. This leads to an outstanding fusion between the materials in which are being joined, resulting in stronger and more durable welds. The increased heat input provided by helium also allows for quicker welding speeds, contributing to greater efficiency and productivity in welding operations. 

 

Improved Welding Quality

By incorporating helium into the welding process, welders are finding enhanced weld quality across many different applications. The deeper penetration and narrower heat-affected zone that helium provides helps in minimizing distortion and reducing the likelihood of defects like incomplete fusion and lack of penetration. Welds produced with helium shielding gas have resulted in improved mechanical properties, such as higher tensile strength and better resistance to cracking, further ensuring the integrity and longevity of the welded components. 

 

Non-Ferrous Metal Welding

Helium’s thermal properties actually make it perfectly suited for welding non-ferrous metals, such as aluminum and its alloys. When combined with argon in a helium-argon gas blend, helium improves the arc characteristics and fluidity of the weld pool, leading to smoother and more stable welds. This is great for the projects in which aesthetically pleasing welds are necessary, like those in the automotive and aerospace industries. 

 

Forge Forward into the Future with nexAir  

With ongoing research, along with the development in welding technology, innovative solutions to maximize the benefits of helium continue to be explored in welding processes. Advancements in gas mixing, equipment design and process control, shoot to optimize the use of helium in welding, along with the expanding applications of helium in various advanced welding techniques. As the industry continues to evolve, you can lean into nexAir as not only being your gas supplier, but also being your source for expert KnowHow, advice and constant support along the way.