Welding With Precision: The Role Of Argon In Shielding Gas

Precision welding is a sophisticated fabricated technique that joins metals together with a distinct level of accuracy. It is widely recognized as the cleanest and most effective welding technique.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), also known as TIG welding, is used to carry out precision welding. It requires intense meticulousness, making it time-consuming, but the results are always worth the time and effort.

Shielding Gases And Their Role In Welding

As the name implies, shielding gases are inert or semi-inert gases used to protect the molten bead from impurities. Impurities in welding refer not only to dirt and other external contaminants, but gases like Oxygen, Carbon Dioxide, Nitrogen, and water vapor in the atmosphere.

For example, it is impossible to weld successfully when Oxygen is present. Metals typically undergo a reaction upon exposure to oxygen, particularly when welding high-temperature steel, notably stainless steel. Stainless steel contains a thin layer of Chromium to prevent corrosion.

Welding, however, alters this protective layer, leading to oxidation, and the area exhibits root porosity. Root porosity can be identified by the presence of small holes in the weld. The affected region loses its stainless steel characteristics due to the destruction of the chromium layer. Other metals like titanium and other alloys resistant to corrosion also display the same reaction.

Shielding gases also play other significant roles in welding, including determining-

• Weld pool penetration
• Arc stability
• Weld transfer
• Surface shape patterns
• Welding speed

Argon As A Shielding Gas In Welding

Argon is a preferred option in welding due to its cost-effectiveness, shielding properties, and stability. Apart from its non-reactive nature, it stands out by not exploding despite the extremely high welding temperatures it is exposed to. It is also naturally occurring in the atmosphere, making it affordable for welders.
Argon can be used for different welding processes depending on the metals to be welded. The primary Argon welding applications are:

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding

TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a flexible technique where the welder feeds a tungsten rod using a TIG torch. The torch’s electrode heats the metal, forming weld beads that join the pieces together. TIG welding is a very precise process, hence, it requires higher technical expertise compared to other welding methods. TIG is typically used to weld aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, and copper

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding

MIG is also referred to as Gas Metal Arc Welding and is one of the most widely used welding techniques and also one of the easiest. Apart from its simplicity, it is also a great method because it minimizes waste while still creating very strong bonds.

The major differences between TIG and MIG are the levels of expertise required and the cost of each method. TIG requires more precision and is more expensive due to the equipment needed for it.
To get the best welding result, it is important to use a shielding gas. Pure Argon is one of the best shielding gases that can be used. Visit our website today and discover the various ways we can be of help to your welding business.