How a TIG Welder Works and When to TIG Weld
What is TIG Welding?
TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas. This welding arc is made between a work piece and a tungsten electrode. Inert gas is always used as shielding gas, most commonly Argon, this protects the molten weld pool along with the electrode which is inside the torch.
How does a TIG welder work?
TIG welding is used on various materials such as 4130 chrome-moly steel and aluminium. If anyone is going to weld any of the mentioned materials, then you require a quality TIG welding machine.
If you are familiar with an oxy-acetylene torch, you will be able to weld with a TIG machine and pick it up quite easily. The TIG process has an electric in the torch, and the filler rod is fed into the molten puddle by the welder’s hand.
The ability to start and stop the heat softly makes the TIG welding process very different from other types of electrical welding. There are people who like to use a foot pedal to manipulate the heat whether they are working on a bench. Some people often like fingertip remotes which are present on the torch when they are working in those areas which are considered to be out of position. The remote can adjust the heat easily while someone is welding, these come standard on all Top Gun TIG Welders.
If you are just learning this welding process, you should know each and every part of the welding machine and its function respectively. There is an earth lead also known as a ground cable with a clamp on it, it should be attached to the work piece or the metal surface on which the work piece is present. The lead which is being used for welding should has a TIG torch at the end. There is a small hose which carries argon gas along with the cable. The gas behaves like a coating and saves the weld from the airborne pollutants and oxidizations. The gas comes from a pressurized bottle will also be required along with an argon specific regulator.
Foot controls are available with variable amperage control, which is common in TIG welding. When the maximum amperage is pre-set on the machine, it will allow you to change the amperage to the maximum pre-set amperage accordingly. This is very useful while welding alloy steels for example a 4130 chrome-moly. The foot-operated amperage allows you to start the heat slowly. When the weld is completed, you may slowly decrease the amount of heat. These soft starts and stops will prevent temperatures shocking the metal. There are many steel alloys being used in race cars that are sensitive to heat shocks.
The TIG welding machines have numerous controls. The most important control for welding aluminum is the AC balance; it maintains the cleaning against penetration levels of the aluminum. Higher balance guarantees good penetration, most setting ranges are from 70 percent to 80 percent, often referred to as 7-8.
Normal or pulse mode can also be set. When pulse mode is used on aluminum, the amperage is changed automatically. This helps to decrease the heat into the work piece, and also helps you achieve a stronger weld with less heat distortion. It will also decrease the heat-affected zone. A stacked dimes look can be produced by setting up pulse correctly.
When to TIG weld?
The most common uses for a TIG welder are pipe welding and pipelines. However, it may be used in many other industrial works for example, aerospace, aviation, and sheet metal industries where welding of thin and special materials like titanium is required.
TIG welding is appropriate for both manual and mechanized welding. It is also useful for welding robots.
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