In this article, we will talk about the advantages and disadvantages of TIG welding. But what exactly is a TIG welding? There are many welding processes. One of them is TIG welding. Several industries use this welding process.
TIG welding stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, and technically it is called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding or GTAW. This process of welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. In this welding process, the TIG welder manipulates a tungsten electrode with one hand and filler metal with the other.
You can do TIG welding on surfaces either platinum, stainless steel, copper, etc. it will work on any surface. In the 1930s and 1940s, the aircraft industry invented the process of TIG welding to weld magnesium.
Basically, in this type of welding, when the tungsten electrode and base metal come in contact, they make an electric arc. The tungsten is a consumable electrode. The reason behind this is that it has the highest melting point of approximately about 3140 degrees Celcius. It is the most challenging welding process. TIG welding is variously used in many industries, including spacecraft, auto parts repair, and many more.
Advantages of TIG welding
TIG welding is one of the complicated processes, but once you know all the features of TIG welding, it will be worth learning its features. It will benefit you in many ways. Here are some of its advantages, have a look.
Non-consumable electrode
The TIG welding process includes non-consumable electrodes, which means you can work flawlessly without changing electrodes. It will save you time, plus you will get more productive results.
High-quality weld
TIG welding gives you high quality and strong weld. Therefore, TIG welding is famous for its sturdy weld, and people prefer it over the other options.
Versatile
TIG welding is versatile as it allows you to work on different metals, including copper, stainless steel, magnesium, etc. Mostly all the welders need filler material to weld, but the TIG welder does not require any filler material.
Neat and clean weld
Probably in every metal arc welding, neatness of weld is necessary. If this is not the case, then the whole appearance of the thing looks odd. TIG welding offers you a clean, shining weld maintaining the appearance of the object. It does not require any finishing.
Thin section welding
The TIG welding is often used for thin section welding; it welds neatly; that’s why it is also used in the art industry. It even works on areas where no other welding process is possible.
No flux
As there is inert gas present, which protects the molten metal, so it doesn’t require any flux.
Non-corrosive
The TIG welds are popular as they are corrosion resistant. It has ductile joints. So the surface will always look new even after years of welding.
Welding positions
TIG welding offers you welds in different directions, including down hand, overhead, and inclined. These positions are not possible with other welding options.
Disadvantages of TIG welding
As we have discussed the advantages of TIG welding, there are some disadvantages too; you should know them before you opt for this process. These are as follows.
Time-consuming process
The TIG welding process is time-consuming. As compared to other welding processes, TIG welding is a slow process as it has a slower filler deposition rate. But it gives you the highest quality of the weld, which is durable and neat.
Complicated welding process
Every welder can’t do the TIG welding process. For doing a TIG wedding, one should be highly and professionally skilled. Learning TIG welding is very difficult, and for newbies, the process is quite complicated. You should work under the supervision of a TIG welding specialist if you are a new welder.
Expensive
The TIG welding process is costly in contrast to other welding processes. The TIG welding machines are expensive, plus the maintenance of those machines is quite costly. People who have tight budgets can’t afford TIG welding.
Expensive inert gas
The gas used in TIG welding is an inert gas, which is quite expensive compared to other gases used in other welding processes.
Safety issues
It is a must for TIG welders to wear safety equipment. When they do TIG welding, a high amount of light is exposed, resulting in damaging eyes if they don’t wear safety gears. Safety gears include goggles, helmets, gloves, etc.
Works only on thinner metals
TIG welding only works on thin metal sheets. It doesn’t work on thick metal sheets. It works perfectly on lightweight metal sheets only. So you will have to opt for other welding methods for thick metal sheets.
High skilled labor
For doing TIG welding, a professional and high skilled worker is required. Basically, a TIG welder has to use his feet and both hands and full concentration on his work. A small mistake can lead to massive damage. Besides skilled labor, the cost is high. Not everyone can afford them.
Conclusion
TIG welding is beneficial in many ways. We hope that the advantages and disadvantages of TIG welding are quite clear to you. TIG welding is well known for its durability and many other features. Before hiring a TIG welder, make sure he has some experience so that no damage can cause. Also, make sure he takes all the precautions and wear safety gear while working. Make sure he has good quality tools.
It is the most versatile welding process. In spacecraft, automotive, repairing metals, arts, etc., TIG welding plays an important role. In arts, TIG welding is used for making sculptures or doing artistic crafting. Noble or inert gases are used in TIG welding. Most often, helium and argon, i.e., inert gases, are used in TIG welding. Using the noble or inert gases in TIG welding is because they help protect the welding area from contamination of the environment
