What One Should Know About TIG Welding

The number of different welding processes has grown recently. They differ greatly in the manner in which heat, pressure or both heat and pressure are applied and in the type of equipment used. Some welding processes require hammering, pressing or rolling to effect the coalescence in the weld joint. Other methods bring the metal to a fluid state and the edges flow together. The most popular welding processes are oxyacetylene welding (OAW), shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and torch blazing (TB). It can be interesting to learn some more about one of the types listed above, TIG welding, which is considered to be more of an art welding.

GTAW or more commonly known as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding) is a form of welding that consists of using a tungsten, a non-consumable electrode, to heat up two pieces of metal to bond them together. This principle does not need a constant continuous flow of metal. Sometimes a welder can even scratch the surface of the material to create a little spark in order to proceed with the work. Though it is not necessary to do while using modern machines. TIG welding is a special form of welding that produces a very neat welding of metals. Sometimes if done professionally a weld can seem invisible to the untrained eye, since it leaves only a tiny seam.

Speaking about welding one should not forget to mention a welding gun. The gun which is used for TIG welding is made so it can grip the tungsten and can be kept steady during the welding process. The tip of the gun is covered by a shroud to allow the gas (called Argon) a direct line. The tip of the tungsten becomes hot enough to melt the metals together. Before starting to weld it is essential for a welder to make sure that the materials being used are clean and free from dirt. If not, then in the result one can get a black messy welding.

Although TIG welding does not produce all of the metal spatter that is associated with some other types of welding, still it generates intense heat and light. TIG welding gives off ultraviolet rays which can be harmful to skin if exposed to them. The same goes for the eyes. So it is vitally important to remember not to look at the ultraviolet light that the welding creates when in progress. In order to work unaffected a special helmet is used. The helmet is designed with blackened sides and a liquid-crystal face plate. This darkens when an arc is made. Protective wear should also be worn during any type of welding. It includes heavy leather welding gauntlets, coveralls, steel toe cap boots/shoes. Sometimes welders are recommended to wear leather aprons.

TIG welding is a very diverse trade. Almost every manufactured product utilises a welding or joining process in its production. The art and science of joining metals has been around for centuries and with minor changes and improvements in materials, equipment and supplies it is sure to be with people afterwards.