TIG welding

With the TIG method (TIG = Tungsten Inert Gas) the electric arc burns between the nonmelting tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The arc is very intense and can be very easily controlled. A separately supplied argon shielding gas protects the arc and the welding zone from the atmosphere. Filler metals can be fed by hand or with a special cold wire feed if necessary.

Steel, stainless steel, copper, titanium, etc. are welded with direct current. The electrode is connected to the negative pole and ground to a point. Aluminium, magnesium and their alloys should only be welded with alternating current to break open their oxide skin. The electrode is blunt. During welding it can assume a round or crowned shape. With modern inverter power sources, a pointed tungsten electrode can also be used.

The advantages of TIG welding: its easy handling and good control over the arc enable very comfortable and clean working. The low oxidisation of the workpiece, small welding zone, omission of fluxing agents and non-spattering arc ensure clean, precise seams with no slag inclusions and no reworking.