Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is one of the most common welding processes. Developed for welding magnesium in the aerospace sector in the early 20th century, it was soon discovered that TIG welding was more useful on a broader array of materials. Though not suitable for all applications, it is typically selected when a precision weld is required on small parts or thin metals.The experts at Miracle Welding specialize in TIG welding for a myriad of industries. We use a 350-amp inverter with features including:
- Independent amplitude / amperage controls
- AC Frequency Controls
- AC waveforms and Advanced Square Wave
- Pulse capability to 5,000 per second
WHAT IS TIG WELDING?
TIG welding is also commonly referred to as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). A clean, high-quality welding process, TIG welding is the favored option when a very precise weld is desired or required. TIG welding outperforms other welding options because it produces high-quality, clean welds. This makes it an ideal process for applications where aesthetics are a concern.
A TIG weld is formed by creating an arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a metal component that requires welding. An inert gas such as helium or argon shields the weld area and tungsten electrode from oxidation or contamination. This is often an autogenous process, but a filler metal may be added separately to the weld pool in some instances.
The concentrated arc produced by a TIG welder provides excellent accuracy, giving the welder total control of heat input and creating a much smaller heat-affected zone. Using welding equipment with a pulsed current offers even higher control over the heat input, as the weld pool is continuously heating and cooling between pulses which allows the use of a higher peak amperage.
TIG welding may be used to weld most metals and metal alloys and can also be used to bond different metals to each other. Of note, TIG welding is the preferred method for welding aluminum due to its precise heat control. Aluminum has a much lower melting point than some other metals, which makes it difficult to weld. It heats up slowly but also retains heat for a long time, so precise heat control is critical for aluminum welding projects.
