Nitrogen gas has a ton of different uses across various industries – and in the world of welding and metal fabrication, nitrogen gas plays a critical role in creating high-quality welds. At nexAir, we not only provide our customers with a high-quality, consistent supply of the gases that they need to carry out day-to-day tasks, but we also provide them with the latest tools, equipment, training and KnowHow to Forge Forward. Keep reading as we dive into the art of fusing metals with the use of nitrogen gas. 

 

What is nitrogen gas? 

 

Nitrogen is a colorless, odorless and tasteless gas that is the most plentiful element in the Earth’s atmosphere and a constituent of all living matter. Nitrogen is typically used to make fertilizers and fire suppression systems, in the light bulb industry, as a preservative in the food industry and of course, in welding. It has many great benefits to these industries, but in this case, in welding, it has a few that are worth discussing: 

 

Enhanced Weld Quality

 

When used in welding, nitrogen gas offers several advantages that contribute to an enhanced weld quality. By displacing oxygen and other atmospheric gases, nitrogen creates an inert environment that prevents oxidation and minimizes the formation of defects in the weld. This results in stronger, cleaner and more reliable welds. Additionally, the controlled atmosphere created by nitrogen gas reduces the risk of contamination, ensuring the integrity and consistency of the welded joint. 

 

Improved Heat Management

 

Another great advantage of nitrogen gas in welding and metal fabrication is its ability to improve heat management. Nitrogen has a higher heat capacity when compared to other gases, which allows it to absorb and dissipate heat efficiently. By introducing nitrogen gas flow during the welding process, heat is evenly distributed across the workpiece, preventing localized overheating and minimizing distortion. This results in better control over the perimeters, leading to precise and aesthetically pleasing welds. 

 

Reduced Post-Weld Cleanup

 

The use of nitrogen gas in welding and metal fabrication can reduce post-weld cleanup efforts significantly. Due to it being an inert gas, nitrogen prevents the formation of oxides and scale on the weld surface, eliminating the need for extensive cleaning and surface preparation. This contributes to saving time and reduces the consumption of chemicals and abrasive materials typically used to remove weld spatter and scale. The cleaner welds achieved when using nitrogen gas also facilitate subsequent processes, like painting applications, as they provide a smoother and more uniform surface for adhesion. 

 

While not all of the benefits were discussed, you can probably understand now why nitrogen gas has become an extremely valuable asset in the art of fusing metals in welding and metal fabrication. By using nitrogen gas, metalworkers can elevate their craftsmanship and produce high-quality, durable and appealing outcomes. If you and your team are interested in learning more, or are ready for your own supply of high-quality, consistent nitrogen, please reach out – we’d love to guide you in the right direction.