Introduction to the TIG Welding Method

Proper information on the welding process is necessary for those who wish to learn welding and also for those who wish to improvise their welding skills. Most often people are interested to begin a career in welding and some others would like to take their career to a new level. Basically welding is the process in which base metal parts are melted and joined using a filler material which has the same characteristics of the parent metal. Welding is conducted using different sources like gas flame, laser, electric beam etc. There are different types of welders namely Arc welders, MIG welders, TIG welders and Gas welders. Among these types, TIG welding is considered as one of the most difficult type to learn and master.

TIG welding is considered as the most flexible type of welding as it can blend all conventional metals like Carbon and low alloy steels, stainless steel, Magnesium Based Master Alloy, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, cobalt, and copper alloys. TIG welders otherwise known as the Tungsten Inert Gas Welders uses an arc which is created from non-consumable tungsten. The heat for the welding process is generated using electric current. This type of welding has many advantages like its high amperage allows welding of metals with great thickness. Other advantages include the concerns related to purity of metal and cleaning.

It is not at all an easy task to master TIG welding. Generally all the other welding methods allow the welder to simply manage with one hand. But this method requires intense attention and focus. The process involves great amount of concentration as the welders use both the hands to manage the welding area while adding the filler material to the surface. Moreover, it is highly equipment centric. For protecting the welding area from airborne contaminants, the welding uses inert gases such as argon. Due to this process, the welding would be clean and precise.

Right amount of precautions that are usually taken while performing any welding methods are always advised in TIG welding as it could be dangerous if performed carelessly. The welding brings in large intensity of light and if the eyes are directly exposed, it results in the burning of retina called as arc-eye. A face guard to shield the eye from direct exposure to intense levels of light is a must for all the welders. The whole body should be properly covered during welding as the exposed light carries UV radiation that is harmful to the skin.

TIG welding is usually used in the automobile and space craft industries since the finished materials and alloys created using the welding method are highly corrosion and cracking resistant even over a long period of time. Like all other types of welding, the TIG welding also becomes easier with practice. For a beginner, it is suggested that he must practice with scrap metal stock before attempting any real projects. This type of welding is highly sophisticated and is usually expensive than the other types as the beginners hesitate to buy the welding kit. However, the high price is worth as the product carries a number of benefits compared to any other.

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