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TIG Welding Process: Know the When, Where and Why

Giving the highest weld quality, the TIG welding process is one of the most versatile when it comes to the material to be used and its position. When it comes to weld versatility and integrity, this process is the best choice.

TIG welding process gives the highest quality

Of all arc welding processes, it is the tungstel inert gas orwelding TIG welding process that is capable of achieving the highest quality welds. It is also the most versatile when it comes to what can be welded and the position of the welds. Only metal inert gas (MIG) welding comes close, but TIG still comes out on top for weld versatility and integrity. Read on as we go through the basics of this process, along with some of its most common applications.

But just like in many industrial processes, quality comes at the expense of time. TIG is generally slower compared to manual metal arc (MMA), but where weld is important, production engineers are prepared to work with the additional process time. However, there are some cases where a welded joint will use TIG along with MIG welding. For instance, when joining pipes for offshore applications, TIG can be specified for the root weld and then MIG for the subsequent runs. This gives high integrity, which is important at the root, along with the quality and speed of MIG for the rest of the joint.

TIG welding is considered to be a very versatile process. The TIG welding process parameters can practically be used with any weldable metals, including different metals with thickness from half a millimeter onward. TIG welding machines are mostly available in current ratings between 150A and 350A and are able to operate at currents as low as 3A for a 150A machine. Also, TIG machines can be used for MMA welding and brazing, which should aid in improving the return on an investment in a TIG equipment.

The most commonly used gas for the TIG welding process for all materials is pure argon

A combination of argon and helium when welding copper and aluminum because added heat is needed fo helium. This the opposite of the MIG welding process, where there is a specific gas or gas mixture for a certain material to be welded. However, TIG operatives have to aware that the right tungsten electrode has to be used. Otherwise, problems can be encountered in striking the arc and maintaining a stable arc. TIG can be done with or without a filler wire, just like oxyacetylene gas welding.

One of the many advantages of TIG welding is that the wold only processes high integrity and give an aesthetic surface finish

Consequently, welds can mostly be left as is without any need for grinding. This is advantageous when it comes to time saved, and it avoids problems with grinding in site, like dust and noise. Depending on the TIG welding material used, the operative can have control over most of the weld parameters, therefore optimizing the weld quality. Modern TIG power sources are lighter and more portable than traditional unis, so on-site TIG welding is commonplace.

The usual applications for TIG welding include architectural stainless steel fabrications like balustrades

More unconventional applications include jewelry, dentistry and titanium. For low-current and fine work applications, TIG is increasingly being used as a more versatile alternative to micro-plasma welding. Skilled operatives are able to produce excellent results with TIG welding, although automation can be economically used on straight arcs and runs to avoid variances associated with operative skill levels or fatigue.

In welding applications, the most costly element is mostly the welding operative. Therefore, it is a relatively simple matter to determine the savings from automating a TIG welding process and the expected payback period that can be expected when automating a TIG welding operation. Among all welding process, TIG requires the highest skill level, primarily because it is a two-handed process, with one hand required for the filler wire and the other for the TIG torch. Even autogenous welding requires good skills.

If a fabricator is considering investing in TIG welding, there are many training providers available nationwide. They can train an operative from scratch or retrain an operative who has used MIG, MMA or gas welding. Interestingly, welders who has had experience with gas welding mostly find it easiest to make the transition because they are used to hand feeding a filler wire. TIG welding is based on a simple concept, but the process is still continually being developed.

Generally speaking, TIG welding is best for niche applications where weld integrity and aesthetics are more important than speed. With this said TIG welding is also the most versatile of all welding processes in terms of the materials is can weld, the material thickness, the option to use a filler wire or not, and the way it can be used for welding of any position. Contact a certified welding company now to help you with your projects.

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TIG Welding Techniques For The Best Welds

If you are learning TIG welding techniques or are just trying to be a TIG welder, the last thing that should come up to speed is the hand feeding the rod. In kindergarten, we all learned how to hold a big crayon and this is not too different from holding a TIG torch. If the hand that feeds the filler rod is a bit of a slow learner, a really thin glove helps. If you’re having problems feeling the wire, try mechanical gloves or woven cotton gloves. Below are more techniques and tips to help you out.

TIG Welding Techniques

Choose the Right-Size TIG Welding Rod

TIG weldingFor sheet metal up to 1/8-inch thick, do not use a welding rod bigger than the thickness of the metal you’re welding. The amperage is low and the weld puddle needs to be small to prevent blowing a hole. When you dip the rod into the puddle, the rod sucks the heat from the puddle, making it hard to maintain a consistent size bead. It is best that beginners should not practice with thin metal.

TIG Torch Handle Should be 10 Degrees or Less

Ideally, the torch angle should only measure around 10 degrees or less. If you have too much torch angle, the heat will be deflected and the rod will melt even before you get into the puddle. This will cause the rod to ball up and blog into the puddle. You want to slip the filler rod into the puddle so you get a consistent bead. Exceptions to this include when you’re using a lay wire technique and are leaning the torch back while you walk the cup.

Never Let a Ball Form at the Rod End

If this happens, you are doing something wrong. It might be because, you are looking an arc that’s too long, too much torch angle, bad filler rod angle, not enough amperage or a combination of these things. The most common of these among newbies are using too much torch angle and too long an arc. A long arc means heat is not concentrated and you get this big heated arc plume like you would get with a gas welding torch.

TIG Welding Process

Thoriated Tungsten Electrodes are Radioactive

Many people say 2% thoriated tungsten electrodes are mildly radioactive, but 2% lanthanated electrodes are just as good as 2% thoriated. So if you are scared if thoriated tungsten but you are even more scared of crappy electrodes that don’t work as well, use 2% lanthanated (they are colored blue). Take note that the blue ones are not brittle like 2% thoriated electrodes. Also, they splinter if you try to break them or snip with dykes.

Use the Smallest Tungsten for the Job

Use the smallest tungsten within reason. Another way of saying this is to not just use 1/8-inch electrodes for everything. There are jobs where this small electrode is great. But if you are welding on the edge of a 0.3-inch turbine blade, a 0.4-inch electrode should be good enough to handle the 15 amps and give much better starts compared to a 1/16-inch electrode.

Get A Certified TIG Welder

While you can very well do MIG welding or TIG welding process on your own, perhaps it would be a better idea to pass on complicated weld jobs over to a person or a company that’s more experienced. Contact a certified TIG welder so you can get started.

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A Complete Guide To Buying Orbital Welding Equipment

Orbital welding is an economical and viable method for connecting stainless steel tubing, particularly in applications in which high performance, maximum leak integrity, ultra cleanliness, and vibration resistance is of utmost importance. It is not a surprise, then, that more and more companies are opting for this system to get their jobs done. If you are considering orbital welding, it is important to remember that not all systems are alike. You can take steps to make sure that the selection of equipment that will meet your specific needs while maximizing efficiency and productivity.

Choose The Right Orbital Welding System

Remember that price is not the primary determinant of whether an orbital weldingwelding system is right for your application. There is not much difference in price among orbital welding systems, but the capabilities of every system can be very different. An orbital welding system is a capital investment. Determine if the system is designed in a manner that allows for modifications, like the acceptance of new software. It is important that you study what every system can offer; you would not want to invest on something that renders itself obsolete after just a few years. For one, you need to make sure that that you get systems with the best features, or those that suit your needs best. Below are some capabilities to consider when getting orbital welding equipment sale:

Factors To Consider When Buying Orbital Welding Equipment

• Mobility: There are some systems that are compact and lightweight, while others are bulkier. If you need to move into tight spaces or travel, go for the lighter weight model, so you can quickly and easily move from one job to another.

• Power: Consider input and output capacities: Some systems output 100 amps from a 110 V/20 amp line. Others require a 110 V/30 amp line to create the same 100 amp output. If you use traditional power sources and want to avoid upgrades, get systems that can be powered by 110 V/20 amp lines.

• Weld head and fixturing flexibility: In orbital welding tubes to fittings or tube to valves or similar combinations, you want a system in which the weld heads and fixtures can easily be adapted for a quick setup change. There are some fixtures that can be taken apart and reconfigured to accommodate a range of weld setups. Detachable fixtures and remote controls allow joints to be pre-positioned and allow orbital welding to be done in tight places.

• Programming: There is a program or procedure that should be developed for every weld type. These programs need to be adjusted and stored to accommodate variations in material heats. If your application at any time requires extensive weld programs, get a system with technology that makes the programming process simpler. A system that is user-friendly can allow programs to be built in an accurate and consistent manner via auto-generation capabilities. These reduce human error and shave up to 90 minutes off the time devoted to building programs.

• Documentation: The process of documentation can be time consuming and expensive. Detailed weld logs should be kept, and the information usually is entered in databases. Get a system that automatically logs and stores data for easy transfer and retrieval to databases. This reduces the cost and time of documentation.

• Data management: Data management features enhance greatly the ability to track trends, calculate costs per weld and review production rates. This can go a long way to improving bid accuracy, lowering costs and improving efficiency.

Maintenance and serving programs are just as important as the equipment itself. If something should go wrong, you would be want to be forced into huge downtime because of the responsiveness issues of the manufacturer. See if a supplier has a local network of service providers, giving easy access to replacement equipment and maintenance. See if the manufacturer gives backup equipment for free. Training, which improve orbital welding protocol and play a role in getting weld consistency, is another important consideration. Training programs from equipment supplies can vary. Some focus on how to give genuine orbital welding courses, while others on learning the usage of the controls of a particular type of equipment.

Go For Orbital Welding

In conclusion, make sure that you do your homework before and during the selection process. If you focus your sights on these areas, you can maximize performance and achieve high quality, repeatable welds on a consistent basis. Choosing pro fusion welding equipment can have a direct effect on whether compliance is achieved in the most efficient, productive and cost-efficient manner. Most importantly, ensure that you choose a reputable company or manufacturer from where you will buy your equipment.

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TIG Welding: Tips To Properly Weld Sheet Metal

DCWI_logo1-300x151TIG welding has so many applications; one of the most common is in the aviation and airline industries. In such work, TIG welders usually use weld sheet metal. If you are welding sheet metal for aircraft applications, or for any other that you can think of, consider the following TIG welding tips to ensure that you get the high quality work that is needed.

Just Follow These Simple TIG Welding Tips

Follow rule of thumb – To estimate required heat output, use the rule 1 amp per 1 thousandths inch of carbon steel thickness. Stainless steel and other nickel-based metals need less heat because nickel is a poor heat conductor. For magnesium and aluminum, which are excellent conductors, increase heat output slightly.

Chill out – Use copper chill bats with argon ports. Both the copper and gas draw heat away from the weld area. While it’s okay to use a copper shoe attached to a steel structure, make sure you configure the bar so the copper touches the well-meant. Take care that you do not put copper in direct content with cobalt allows as this may cause issues in high-temperature applications.

Cover your backside – When welding sheet metal, treat most applications like titanium. Titanium always needs shielding the backside of the weld to prevent oxidation. In thin applications, shielding gas on the backside of the weld reduces heat output. It also improves weld quality by eliminating metal surface imperfections that could potentially be a source of cracking high fatigue applications.

Love the back-step – The standard practice in TIG welding involves pushing the weld puddle in one continuous direction for the entire length of the weld. With back-stepping, the welder breaks up the seam in parts to dissipate the heat. Do not confuse the back-step method, which is a planned series of steps along a single joint with the randomness of skip welding.

Super size it – Other sheet metal applications usually require a size #7 TIG cup. For welding sheet metal in aerospace applications, #15 cup or larger is required. A large cup gives better gas coverage of the weld puddle and heat affected zone, which reduces total heat input and improving bead quality. It should also improve bead appearance.

Lens crafter – Always use a TIG torch with a gas lens. The lens smoothens the gas flow and prevents turbulence, which widens the area of gas coverage. If needed, it allows increased electrode extension beyond the cup. Extending the electrode will allow it to reach into the corners and give better visibility of the weld area.

Mind The Gap  Of  Your TIG Welding

– To do maintenance on some parts, you should cut them to gain access and re-weld the part while maintaining the original dimensions of the part. All parts shrink when welded, so make sure that you plan ahead. Good fixturing, R&D work and experience can give an indication of how to pre-gap a part before welding.

To the point – Electricity likes to come off a point. Nothing focuses an arc more than needle-sharp tungsten. Sharp tungsten directs the heat where you want it. Also, you do not weld with contaminated tungsten; it is a recipe for rework. Having a standard on lanthenated electrodes for all your applications should help.

Always Look For Extensive TIG Welding Experience

If you are looking to get TIG welding done for aerospace application, or for whatever industry, but you have limited TIG welding experience, it would be best that you contact a certified welding company to do it for you.

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Most Common Applications Of Orbital Welding

Orbital WeldingThe process of orbital welding got its name from the fact that an electrode rotates around the stationary product that is being welded. As with tungsten inert gas welding (or TIG welding), an electric arc is produced between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the metal that is welded. The weld pool is made up of the base metals themselves. Orbital welding is especially valuable in applying quality welds to tubes and pipes, as well as other difficult or complicated welds.

Since its birth in the 1960s, orbital weld systems have since then evolved to cater to the growing needs and technologies through time. Today, they have computer programs that can store welding parameters in memory. This basically allows the skills of a certified welder to be programmed into the system, allowing the on-going production of identical welds, and virtually eliminating welder error and defects.

The commonly used 300-series stainless steels offer a high degree of weld ability using orbital equipment, except for types 303/303SE, which allow for machining ease. The 400-series stainless steels, while weldable, may require post-weld heat treatment. Welders adjust the orbital-welding setup to accommodate for potential differences among material heats.

Other Applications Of Orbital Welding

• Aerospace – The aerospace industry was the first to use automated orbital welding. The high pressure hydraulic systems of a single aircraft can contain more than 1,500 welded joints.

• Boiler-tubes – Boiler-tube installation and maintenance offer perfect scenario for orbital welding. Compact orbital weld heads can be placed in between rows of boiler tubes.

• Food, dairy and beverage industries – This sector of the industry requires consistent full-penetration welds on all weld joints. For maximum piping system efficiency, the tubing and pipe welds must be as smooth as possible. Any defect or incomplete weld joint can trap fluid inside the pipe or tubing, harboring bacteria.

• Nuclear piping – The nuclear power industries severe operating environment, and specifications for high quality welds, has long been a user of orbital welding.

• Offshore applications – Submerged hydraulic systems welded with orbital equipment offer superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

• Pharmaceutical industry – Pharmaceutical process lines and piping systems require high quality welds to ensure a source of water from the tubes is uncontaminated by rust, bacteria and other contaminants. Orbital welding ensures full-penetration welds with no overheating that can affect the corrosion resistance in the welded joint.

• Semiconductor industry – The semiconductor industry requires piping systems with very smooth internal surface finish to prevent contaminant build-up on the tubing wall or weld joints. A build-up of particulate, moisture or contaminant could increase and ruin the batch process.

• Tube fittings, valves and regulators – Hydraulic lines, oil and natural gas storage, delivery systems, and medical gas systems all require consistent quality and defect-free welds. Orbitally welded systems give the means to ensure high productivity of welding and optimal weld quality.

Find Certified Orbital Welding

If you are looking to weld parts for any of the industries listed above – or for any other not found above – look for a certified orbital welding company to do it for you. Ensure that they have certified orbital welders to ensure quality work.

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About Welding And Its Different Types


weldingWelding is the most widely practiced way of joining metals together because of the efficiency and economy of the process. It has been estimated that about 50% of the Gross National Product of the United States arises from the activities that are, in some form or another, related, perhaps remotely, to welding. As an example, farming may appear to have nothing to do with welding, but the equipment the farmer uses to grow and harvest crops will have used welding in their manufacturing process.

Until the advent of the 20th century, welding was confined to blacksmith shops where two pieces of metal were heated to very high temperatures in a forge and then hammered together until the joining occurred. This is what is called forge welding. With the introduction of electricity into industrial processes, welding become both easier and quicker, and also more economical.

There are four types of welding techniques commonly used

•    Arc Welding – This is the most basic welding technique where the parts to be joined together are brought into contact with strong electrical current and heated. The molten parts are then joined together to form a weld. This is the low technology end of welding in its cheapest and least sophisticated form.

•    Gas Welding – This is generally used for repair work, particularly in the case of hollow items like pipes and tubes. Hot gas is forced onto the surfaces to be welded. This procedure requires the parts to be subjected to less heat and is suitable for material that may be damaged due to exposure to high temperature. It is for this reason that it is used in the jewelry industry which has to work with soft metal with low melting points.

•    Resistance Welding – This welding technique requires that an additional sheet of metal is used to cover the pieces that are to be welded together. This gives great strength to a weld, but the process requires expensive equipment as well as the use of additional material to encase the weld which makes it expensive and not suitable applications.

•    Laser Welding – This is the most modern technology available today. High intensity lasers can be tightly focused and produce controllable heat on the surfaces to be welded very quickly. This is perfect for material that can be damaged by prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Laser welding is very accurate and can be used to produce even the smallest of welds. However, because of the high capital cost involved in buying this equipment, the cost of welding is also high.

Although the perception of welding is that of a simple process of heating and joining, it is a high technology industry with huge amounts being spent on research and development to look for stronger, more accurate and cheaper methods. The welding process plays a big role in metallurgy with a constant effort underway to find newer and more weld friendly ways. Look for a certified welding company for all your fabrication needs.

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Why Should You Hire A Certified Welding Company?

If you are looking to hire a welding company for any type of project, orbital weldingwhether it be big or small, it is important that you pick one that has been certified. There are welding bureaus today that certifies welding companies along with welding inspection companies, welding inspectors and electrodes. It ensures that all welds conduction, including positions, processes and joints are all current and have been approved by the welding bureau. The following are the top benefits of hiring a welding company that has been certified by these qualified welding bureaus.

1.    Certified welding companies give a guaranteed experience – Each certified welding company has both certified welding inspectors and welding supervisors. These people should have at least a year of welding experience under their belt, or have completed a course in welding. This means they have the experience as well as the knowledge to complete your project safely following the current standards.

2.    Certified welding companies have knowledgeable employees – As every certified welding company has access to course materials and the newest and best ways to complete welding jobs, you are assured that the person working on your project knows what they are doing. Welding bureaus also offer seminars and information sessions that will update the welding knowledge of an employee or company. Every certified welding company and employee will be up to date on the latest changes to core or innovate welding methods. Also, they know all the building codes in your area along with the safety regulations.

3.    Certified welding companies have liability insurance – In case anything goes wrong by any chance, welding bureaus require all of its certified companies to carry liability insurance. This will cover you should something happen to the company’s employee while on your property or if the job is not completed correctly or causes damage to your property.

4.    Certified welding companies are up to standard code – Each job requires a different code of standard for welding. These differ from small projects in a home to larger scale welding for office buildings and sky scrapers. If a company is certified for a certain code, be assured that they are well aware of the code inside and out and be able to meet your requirements.

5.    Certified welding companies are easy to spot – It is easy to find out if a welding company is certified or not. They will have a badge on their literature which will include what they are certified for. Also, the website of the welding bureau is bound to have a searchable database of certified welding companies, inspectors, and the like.

When choosing a welding company, just like anything else, it is best to hire one that has the necessary certifications. This is because this certifies that the company has taken the time and invested the money to make sure that its employees are up to standard, are safe in their working habits and have the knowledge to back it all up. Therefore, go the extra step and make sure that the welding company you are considering is certified.

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What Techniques Are Used In TIG Welding A Root Pass?

Many jobs, like nuclear work, piping and consumer goods, require at least the root pass, or the first weld in the pipe joint, to be done with the process of TIG welding, or tungsten inert gas welding. Root passes use weld filler material to close the root space between the weld faces, and are particularly useful when only one side of the weld is accessible. Follow tips regarding shielding gas, welding preparation and weld techniques make TIG welding your root pass successful.orb002-300x200

Back-Purging Techniques

Purge the weld zone with argon at about 40 cubic feet per hour. Without adequate shielding, welding defects like incomplete penetration, root pass cracking, root pass suck-back and lack of fusion can occur. There are two common methods for back purging a pipe root pass weld zone: purging the whole volume of a long pipe run or locally purging the immediate volume around the weld zone. A ratio of about 4:1 between the back flow purge rate and the welding torch flow rate is needed to make a sound root pass weld.
 

Welding Preparation

Preparation of the pipe ends is very important in root pass welding. Clean the pipes to bright, shiny metal for a distance of about 1 inch form the weld preparation edge, then thoroughly clean and degrease the whole area. Also, you need to get the proper fit of the pipes that you are welding. The root gap should be at least 1/32 inches larger than the diameter of filler wire being used to weld. This will allow for the manipulation of filler wire even if some closure occurs during welding.

Tack Welding

Tack welding is necessary to ensure that the pipes do not move during closure welding. Make sufficiently large tack welds and put them often enough around the diameter of the joint so that the filler is smaller in diameter than the root gap. Grinding the tack welds to a feather edge may be helpful. It may prevent small defects that can be detected during radiographic examination from occurring when you make the closure weld.

Closure Welding

When closure welding, keep the joint sealed except in areas being welded. Maintain gas purge pressure for the first two passes to ensure that the root pass will not be tremendously oxidized during subsequent weld passes. Move your torch in a continuous motion from sidewall to sidewall, adding filler wire where the joint as not been tack-welded. Position the filler metal in the root gap opening. This will reduce the possibility of the root gap closing up, limiting weld reinforcement at the root.

While you can very well do all of these techniques and tricks on your own, it would be better that you hire a certified welding company to do the job for you, especially if you have little experience with TIG welding as well as root pass welding. This way, you are assured that you are getting the best possible TIG welding service and products, all for your own convenience and safety.

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What Are the Advantages Of TIG Welding?

Otherwise known as gas tungsten arc welding or GTAW, tungsten inert gas or TIG welding is a popular welding method where a tungsten electrode, a ceramic cup and inert gas are used to weld metal together. TIG welding offers advantages in terms of amperage and versatility as it uses less energy than other welding methods. A clean weld can be achieved by making a low-profile weld bead, leaving no slag after the welding process is complete. construction-857143_640-300x214Perhaps the biggest advantage of TIG welding is its control, both in terms of the current and the electrode itself.

Advantages Of TIG Welding

Compared to other welding methods, TIG welding utilizes less amperage. This might seem like a disadvantage at first, but it really helps the TIG welder. When a torch uses a high amperage amount, it is great for thick and large metal bars, but not so good with thin pieces of metal. With a low-amperage torch, the TIG welder can work on thin pieces of metal and all the other kinds of metals that cannot take on high amperages.

TIG welding is considered to be more versatile than the other welding methods. A big part of this is because its lower amperage and foot mechanism allows the welder to change amperage. A welder can go from working on thin pieces of metal to working on thick ones, welding intricate designs together without leaving obvious welding marks. The TIG welder is small, almost similar to a pen, which allows welders to use it for practically any kind of purpose. The inert gas used allows it to work on various metals. Helium is best for copper and stainless steel, argon is best for titanium and steel, and helium and argon combination is best for aluminum and allows that include aluminum.

TIG Welding Leaves A Clean Finished

Some welding methods leave slag once they are finished, so that the finished product looks sloppy. This will also waste time as the welder will have to clean away the slag to make their product or welding job presentable. TIG welding is very clean and will leave no slag at all, so the welder can concentrate on welding instead of cleaning up the metal.

Perhaps the most frequently cited advantage of TIG welding is its control. Amperage and heat are precisely controlled and changed using a foot mechanism. The welding mechanism in itself is pen-like and very thin. So, even when dexterity is needed, the welder will still have superior wedding control. This helps produce high quality welding work, particularly when there are intricate designs and curves in the base metal.

Look For Best TIG Welding Company

When looking to get a welding job done, make sure that you choose the best possible person or company in the business. If you are asking for referrals from acquaintances, it is highly recommended to not stop once you get the name of a company. Do some sleuthing on your own and research the company online. Browse through their workmanship and read reviews from their customers. These should tell you if a TIG welding company is worth shelling out money for.

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How To Choose A High Quality TIG Welder

TIG welders use an electrical arc to heat the edges of metal surfaces. The edges heat as they connect and they remain firmly connected as they cool. Unlike MIG welders or metal inert gas welders that use a metal wire, TIG (tungsten inert gas) welders directly heat the metal surface.

Importance Of Picking The Ideal TIG Welderwelding

Choosing a quality TIG welder requires that you familiarize yourself with several if the technical aspects of this type of tool. For example, you need to select a quality TIG welder that can weld different types of metals. You should also select a machine capable of working with different types of compressed gas.

  1. Match the metal type you want to weld to the electrical input of the TIG welder. For example, if you need a welder capable of welding hard metals like bronze, cast iron or steel, an alternating current welder should work. AC welders operate using electricity that alternates direction back and forth. If you need to weld soft metals like aluminum you need a direct current welder. Direct current electricity creates a steady arc for the welder and comes from battery cells.
  2. Decide on thickness of the metal that you need to weld. If you need to weld thick metals, you need a welder capable of producing high amperages (amp). Low amperage welders produce 165 to 200 amps while high-amperage welders produce 310 to 700 amps.
  3. Determine if your work location can accommodate your welder. TIG welders weight between40 to 200 pounds, and measure 13 to 36 cubic inches. Different TIG welders also require different plug-ins. Some require a standard 120-volt plug-in while others require a 220-volt plug in.
  4. Compare the duty cycles of the welder. A duty cycle of a welder indicates how long it can operate in a 10-minute interval without overheating. For example, a TIG welder that can weld for weld minutes but is in need of seven minutes downtime to cool off has a duty cycle of 30%. Duty cycles range from 15 to 60%.
  5. Ensure that the TIG welder fits your budget. They cost anywhere from $500 to $2,500, depending on the power.
  6. Compare the features of the TIG welders. They come with various attributes that include high frequency arcs and automatic fans. High frequency arcs help keep the electric current of the welder steady, giving a more precision weld. Pick a welder with as many features as you can afford.
  7. Compare the warranties of the welders. Most manufacturers offer two or three year warranties. There are also retailers that offer a 90-day return policy. In-store return policies can create much less hassle.

It Pays To Choose The Right TIG Welder

Choosing and buying welders can indeed be easier than done. Because of their price tags, they are considered as investments. And because they are investments, you need to make sure that you are getting the most of what you paid for them in the long run. Think about what you and your business really needs, and make them your basis in choosing the best kind of TIG welder for you.

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