welding

Tig Welding & the Abrasives Industry

TIG welding process
Welding is the process of melting and fusing two distinct parts together by applying heat to form a permanent bond. This process is the most common, economical, and efficient way to join metal. Once melted, a filler material is added to form a weld puddle that becomes a strong joint once cooled down. Abrasives serve an important purpose in the metalworking industry to remove the extra material, and smoothing out any inconsistencies.

What is TIG Welding?

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, also known as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), is a welding process that uses an electrode that provides a current to the welding arc. A filler material is used to reinforce seams. TIG welding is considered a unique process due to the option of soft starting and stopping the heat, bringing the ability for a customized approach for difficult tasks.

 

 

The Advantages

More Precision
When you learn how to use a TIG welder correctly, you will know that the welds are more precise with this approach. The outcomes have a higher quality in comparison to other welding processes. Welding is a difficult skill to learn for many because you need to hold the torch in one hand, with filler material in the other for successful results.

More Environment-Friendly
TIG Welding uses inert gas, giving you a variety of options for a wide range of metals. This creates a lesser environmental impact in comparison to other welding processes. Argon is safe when it escapes into the air, so you have less to worry about when trying to achieve a weld seam. If you want to go green, the GTAW method is the best to choose from.

Different Materials
No other welding process offers unique alloy and filler metal options, making the TIG welding process extremely versatile. The ability to use specific and matched materials makes the TIG welds even stronger, providing corrosion and cracking resistance.

The Disadvantages

Expensive Process
The welding cost that uses TIG techniques are much higher than for MIG welders – due to the process being slower. There are also a lot of maintenance expenses going into the processes with purchasing new wires and rods. If you are able to get by with quick welds, it’s normally cheaper to choose a different process.

Contamination Issues
When shielding gas doesn’t give enough coverage following TIG welding, you can experience contamination issues. Most find that welding with argon and carbon dioxide can almost immediately lead to contamination. Check your hoses and fittings for leaks to ensure a breach hasn’t occurred.

Overheating
While TIG welding uses different metals, stainless steel and aluminum can prove to be challenging because of the propensity to overheat. When that material gets too hot, it gets discolored and degrades the corrosion resistance. If you encounter any errors of the type, you usually have to start over.

Markets & Key Abrasive Solutions

Due to the thin workpieces and increased control, TIG welding is popular with thin-walled piping and tubing. The main industrial user of the TIG welding process is the aerospace industry due to it working well for space vehicles.

TIG welding is effective for almost every metal and special alloys, and the precise and controlled application is essential for joints – making it useful for a wide range of industries, including:

If the metal consists of two pieces that will be joined, you may need to prep by using an abrasive product. It is necessary to remove any paint, rust, or other grime to ensure clean metal. Once a weld is finished, a post-processing step is required to help polish, cut, or shape to the desired effect. Learn more about ARC Abrasives’ family of products and how they can suit your needs.

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