Tig welding: application features

Argon arc welding tig ( T ungsten I nert G as), or non-consumable electrode welding is when the arc lights up between the tungsten electrode and the parts to be welded. Thus, in the arc gap there is no transfer of molten metal. This makes it easier to burn the electric arc and significantly increase its stability. In addition, tig welding reduces evaporation losses, eliminates the possibility of metal spattering, and limits the effect of gas from the arc column to the molten metal. As a result, the quality of the welded seam rises to a new, more advanced level.

Tig welding can be on AC or DC, and in the latter case only direct polarity is used, that is, when the welded parts are connected to the "plus" terminal, and the non-consumable electrode is connected to the "minus" terminal. The need to connect in this way is due to the fact that if you change the terminals in places, then there is a possibility of overheating of the refractory tungsten metal and, consequently, its durability is significantly reduced. In addition, the electrodes may be chipped or fused, leading to inevitable defects in the weld.

Welding tig implies the presence of the following basic elements in the design of the installation: AC or DC power supply, arc stabilizer, oscillator, current regulator, current pulse generator, gas solenoid valve, and device for suppressing current components.

Tig welding is the most versatile kind of metal connection, since it allows welding of a wide variety of materials at any position in space.

High-quality process of welding parts is achieved due to the fact that it takes a little longer than any other type of welding. In this regard, tig welding is used only when the qualitative characteristics of the resulting weld are of decisive importance.

A distinctive feature of this type of welding is the fact that pure argon is used to connect absolutely any materials, while for other types of welding it is necessary to select gas in accordance with the welded metals.

Tig welding is a rather complex and painstaking process. Therefore, it requires a specially trained qualified welder. The technological process will require him enough skill, since it is necessary with one hand to provide sufficient and timely supply of filler material, while in the other hand there will be a welding torch.

When choosing a welding machine of this kind, one should be guided by the following considerations:

1. It is necessary to determine the power of the power source of the welding machine.

2. Assess the complexity and scope of the work ahead.

3. Take into account the type of current consumed: constant or variable.

It is also necessary to know that some welding machines can use both direct and alternating current. This is necessary for welding different materials, for example, aluminum and steel. Welding units have a fairly wide range of current values from 3 to 500 A.