The Role of Argon and CO2 in Industrial and Commercial Welding

Argon and carbon dioxide may not be the first substances that come to mind when looking at a final weld, but the gases play a critical role behind the scenes. These invisible ingredients influence anything from the shape of a building, to the strength of its foundation, to the integrity of the pipelines running through its walls.

Moreover, their unique properties contribute to countless industrial and commercial applications — both as individual gases, and together in a blend. Learn more surprising facts about two of the most versatile gases in a professional fabricator’s arsenal.

Argon: A Versatile Inert Gas 

The humble gas makes up less than a percentage of the earth’s atmosphere, but contributes a lot more than its weight in value. Its non-flammable properties, in particular, make it useful for a host of welding and fabrication applications.

Besides that it also prevents contamination by atmospheric gases, and is non-toxic. As a result, it’s used as a shielding gas for TIG and MIG welding of non-ferrous metals. 

Argon is required in critical manufacturing, construction, and automotive plants to  boost metal production, fabrication, processing, and more. But the versatile gas can also be found in various food and beverage packaging facilities, where it can extend the shelf-life of perishable goods. It can similarly expand the lifespan of the average incandescent bulb, which is particularly useful in the aerospace sector.

CO2: A Useful Greenhouse Gas

Carbon dioxide has a bad reputation for being one of the major contributors to the slow warming of our planet. It can also cause headaches, dizziness, and nausea in those exposed to it for long periods. But on a commercial and industrial scale, the greenhouse gas comes with many benefits. 

Its core function is similar to that of argon — to shield the weld pool from impurities and oxidation. But that’s just one aspect of it. Carbon dioxide can also be used to improve weld rates, reduce the need for post weld treatment, and ensure the quality of the output.

Elsewhere, the gas can also be used in the chemicals industry to produce methanol and urea, as well as the petroleum industry where it helps oil recovery. 

When it comes to metal fabrication, meanwhile, carbon dioxide can be used to harden casting molds. In its solid form, also known as dry ice, CO2 is used for a process known as dry ice blasting, which is the safest, moisture-free way to clean certain equipment.  

Argon and CO2: Match Made in Heaven

While each gas has its own list of uses, most facilities rely on a blend of argon and carbon dioxide for most welding applications. When combined, the gases offer welders a smoother output, a more stable arc, and deeper penetration of the weld pool. 

Mixing the two substances also reduces the overall reactivity of using simply CO2, but offers more penetration than using simply argon. The mixture can also be more cost-effective than using pure argon for every process. Argon and CO2 can be used in varying proportions — some applications require a 80%-20% argon to carbon dioxide blend, others require much less carbon dioxide to be useful. 

Find Your Fit with nexAir 

For over 80 years, nexAir has been a leading supplier of industrial gases and welding equipment to critical industries across the Southeast. Our expert chemists leverage decades of KnowHow to create bespoke blends for all your fabrication needs. Learn more about how to Forge Forward with the highest quality of argon and carbon dioxide on the nexAirNOW store today. 

References: 

• https://www.minoo-cn.com/why-co2-and-argon-is-used-in-mig-welding
• https://www.atlascopco.com/en-in/compressors/wiki/compressed-air-articles/carbon-dioxide-uses
• https://www.taiyugas.com/news/what-are-commercial-and-industrial-uses-of-carbon-dioxide.html
• https://www.nexair.com/learning-center/industrial-uses-of-argon/
• https://vscarbonics.com/blog/industrial-vs-specialty-gases-argon-co2
• https://meritusgas.com/gases/welding-mixtures/argon-carbon-dixode-blends/