A TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) weld is created using electricity to melt and join pieces of metal to create high-quality welds. It requires the use of a non-consumable tungsten electrode with a high melting point to reduce damage during welding. With the use of an inert gas shield, such as argon or helium, it creates an electric arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece, preventing oxidation and contamination of the weld metal. A foot pedal or fingertip control allows the welder to control the heat input and welding current, providing precise adjustments during the welding process.
TIG welds can be powered by different sources such as AC (Alternating Current) or DC (Direct Current) and their control panels include knobs or digital controls for adjusting welding parameters such as current (amperage), voltage, and sometimes pulse settings. They often use high-frequency circuits to initiate the arc. This minimizes tungsten contamination and ensures a stable arc. Some TIG welding machines often use inverter technology, which provides greater efficiency, portability, and sometimes additional welding features like pulse welding modes. These may include thermal overload protection, which shuts down the machine if it gets too hot, and sometimes built-in circuitry to protect against electric shocks.
TIG welding can be used on a wide range of metals and thicknesses, from thin sheet metal to thicker materials, depending on the power and capacity of the welding machine. TIG welding has the ability to produce clean welds without spatter as it allows for precise control over the welding arc and heat input, making it suitable for applications where appearance, quality, and strength are crucial, such as in aerospace, automotive, and other metalworking industries.
If you need weldments created with TIG welding, Pronto is the fabricator of choice. Enjoy reliable service, short lead times, competitive pricing, and superior in-house metal finishes. Ready to discuss your custom metal parts? If you have any questions or want to learn more about our capabilities, don’t hesitate to ask our experts.