In - depth Explanation of TIG Welding Technology: Comprehensive Analysis of Principles, Parameters and Application Scenarios

 

TIG welding, formally known as Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG welding), is an arc welding technology that uses high - purity argon as a shielding gas and a tungsten electrode as a non - consumable electrode. Its core lies in isolating the air with argon to prevent the molten pool and high - temperature metal from reacting with oxygen, thus ensuring the quality of the weld. This process is widely used in metal connection scenarios with high precision and high cleanliness requirements, especially suitable for welding materials such as carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium, copper and their alloys.

 

Core Control Parameters of TIG Welding

1. Welding Current: It directly affects the penetration depth and the stability of the molten pool. Excessive current may cause burn - through, while insufficient current results in inadequate penetration.

2. Welding Speed: It needs to be matched with the current. Excessively high speed is likely to cause lack of fusion defects, while excessively low speed leads to excessive heat input and material deformation.

3. Argon Flow Rate: Usually controlled between 8 - 15L/min. Insufficient flow may cause oxidation, while excessive flow wastes gas and disrupts the stability of the arc.

 

Unique Advantages of TIG Welding

1. High Precision and Cleanliness: Protected by argon, there is no oxidation slag in the weld, making it suitable for areas with high cleanliness requirements such as food machinery and aerospace.

2. Wide Material Adaptability: It can weld reactive metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and magnesium. For aluminum and aluminum alloys, cerium - tungsten electrodes are recommended because they have better arc - starting performance and lower radioactivity.

3. Intuitive Operation: The arc and the molten pool are clearly visible, which facilitates welders to adjust the angle of the welding torch and the wire - feeding speed in real - time to ensure the forming quality.

 

Application Areas and Material Compatibility

- Stainless Steel Welding: Commonly used in chemical equipment and decorative components, with excellent corrosion resistance of the weld.

- Titanium Alloy Processing: Used in medical devices and aero - engine components. Argon protection can completely avoid the problem of high - temperature oxidation of titanium.

- Copper and Copper Alloys: Suitable for the sealing welding of power equipment and refrigeration pipes.

- Thin Plate Welding: Compared with manual arc welding, TIG welding can avoid burn - through when welding thin plates of 0.5 - 3mm, with a more beautiful forming.

 

Key Differences from Manual Arc Welding

1. Protection Method: TIG welding relies on inert gas to isolate the air, while manual arc welding is protected by the gas and slag generated by the melting of the electrode coating.

2. Operation Complexity: TIG welding requires two - hand coordinated operation (one hand holds the welding torch and the other feeds the wire), which requires a relatively high level of welder skills.

3. Application Scenarios: Manual arc welding has low cost but much spatter, suitable for thick plates and non - precision welding; TIG welding has high forming quality and is more suitable for precision parts and special materials.

 

Safety and Operation Precautions

1. Radiation Protection: The ultraviolet intensity of TIG welding is 5 - 20 times that of ordinary arc welding. Welders need to wear automatic darkening helmets and anti - ultraviolet protective equipment.

2. Ventilation Requirements: Welding fumes contain ozone and metal particles. Welding should be carried out in a well - ventilated environment or equipped with an exhaust device.

3. Electrode Treatment: Cerium - tungsten electrodes need to be regularly ground to be sharp to avoid arc dispersion. Waste electrodes should be recycled centrally to prevent radioactive pollution.

 

With its excellent weld quality and material adaptability, TIG welding technology has become an indispensable welding process in the high - end manufacturing industry. With the popularization of automated equipment, its application scenarios are gradually expanding to precision fields such as new - energy vehicle battery trays and 3C electronic components.