Gas Tungsten Arc Welding(GTAW),also known as tungsten inert gas(TIG) welding is a process that produces an electric arc maintained between a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and the part to be welded. The heat-affected zone, the molten metal, and the tungsten electrode are all shielded from atmospheric contamination by a blanket the weld and exclude the active properties in the surrounding air. Inert gases, such as Argon and Helium,do not chemically react or combine with other gases. They pose no odor and are transparent, permitting the welder maximum visibility of the arc. In some instances Hydrogen gas may be added to enhance travel speed.

The GTAW process can produce temperatures of up to 19,426 。C. The torch contributes heat only to the workpiece. If filler metal is required to make the weld, it may be added manually in the same manner as it is added in the oxyacetylene welding process, or in other situations may be added using a cold wire feeder.

GTAW is used to weld steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys such as titanium, aluminum, magnesium, cooper, brass , bronze, and even gold. GTAW can also weld dissimilar metals to one another such as copper to brass and stainless steel to mild steel.

Selecting A GTAW Power Source

Your choice of a TIG power source is driven by the type and thickness of the material you will weld. This will determine whether you require a machine for all weldable metals except Aluminum and Magnesium(DC) or one that is for all weldable metals (AC/DC).

Items to consider:

Type of metal to be welded-(Aluminum, Steel, Stainless, etc)

Thickness of materials to be welded.

Package solution that suits the welding application.

Accessory components that add performance to the system.

Physical Machine Size-Inverter/Transformer-Rectifier.