What Are the Benefits of TIG Welding?

September 11, 2019 1:03 am Published by Leave your thoughts

Like stick welding, TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is one of the most popular forms of welding out there—which is impressive, considering there are over 60 methods in all! It’s a high-quality weld, but requires a high level of skill. Always make sure that you hire experienced welders for your TIG welding in Umatilla County, OR, like the crew at NW Metal Fabricators Inc.

How TIG Welding Works

Initially, TIG welding was created by the aircraft industry to weld magnesium. It’s a gas-shielded process, and is performed by the welder creating an arc between the non-consumable electrode and the metal. The metal melts and forms a pool, at which point a wire made of filler metal is carefully placed in the molten metal until it, too, melts. Flux is not used in this process.

TIG welding is commonly used in automobile manufacturing, aircraft, spacecraft and automotive repair shops. Its anti-corrosive properties make it ideal for heavy-duty projects that are meant to last a long time and undergo a great deal of wear and tear.

Main Benefits of TIG Welding

  • Can join more metals than any other welding process: Some welding processes just won’t work with certain metals, usually because they’re reactive. TIG welding can join more types of metal than other welding processes, making it a great option for many projects.
  • Allows for a greater amount of control: Since the equipment is thin and the welder is able to adjust amperage with a switch, TIG welding allows a welder to make more delicate work of the job. This is especially great for any design with curves involved.
  • Works with thin metals: The low amperage required for TIG welding makes it ideal for thinner metals, including aluminum.
  • The process can be automated: Unlike stick welding, TIG welding can be done by hand, automated or using a hybrid of both methods.

Limitations of TIG Welding

  • Requires a high level of focus: TIG welding can be time-consuming if it’s not automated, and requires a great deal of focus and skill. TIG welding generally produces the highest quality welds, but the low deposition rate forces the process to slow down.
  • Once it’s done, it’s done: The TIG welding process is high quality—but the downside is that once two pieces of metal are welded together, they usually can’t be taken apart again without completely destroying each component. If you think you might wish to reuse parts of your project later, you’ll probably want to avoid TIG welding altogether.

Learn more about TIG welding and whether it’s right for your project by reaching out to the experienced team at NW Metal Fabricators Inc. For over 30 years, we’ve been the top providers of TIG welding in Umatilla County, OR. Our specialties include the custom production of storage bins, conveyors, catwalks, handrails, gates, storage tanks, water heater tanks, sanitary piping, steam piping and trailer truck hitches. Contact us today to learn more about what we can do for you or to arrange a consultation with our experts to discuss your project!

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