Welding is joining metals together by heating them to a point where they flow together. Tig welding is a type of welding that uses a tungsten electrode to produce an electric arc. This arc is then used to heat the metal, causing it to melt and join with the other piece of metal. The tungsten electrode is one of the main components in a tig welding machine.
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The Benefits of Tig Welding over other Forms
Tig welding involves much less spatter than other forms of welding, making it much easier to clean up afterwards. This form of welding also uses very little filler material, so metals such as aluminium and magnesium can be joined without adding unnecessary weight. These factors make tig welding a particularly valuable technique for those working with alloys such as aerospace and racing car components.
The tungsten electrode used in tig welding is one of the most important components in the machine, as it is it delivers the electric arc, which heats up and melts metal together. It is usually attached to a thick, heavy cable connected to the machine’s power supply.
Tig welding machines for commercial and domestic use
Most tig welding machines have wheels and handle so that they may be easily moved around your workspace. Many models also contain a footswitch, allowing you to hold a piece in place while still controlling the speed and welding process with your free hand. Tig welding machines usually require less than 100 amps of power, making them suitable for commercial and domestic environments.
How to choose a good one?
Most tig welding machines are fitted with two gauges, one to show the amount of amperage being used and another showing the amount of gas pressure inside the tank. Most models will also have a regulator fitted to the gas tank, allowing the pressure inside to be controlled. When working with aluminium and magnesium, pure argon gas is preferable. In these cases, a regulator is unnecessary as the machine will already have one fitted to control the flow of nitrogen if you need it for other materials.
Tig welding machines are an invaluable asset for any workshop or factory that needs to carry out a lot of metalwork and finding the right machine can be easier than you think. It’s important to research your options carefully before making a final decision. Still, even if you do find it difficult to choose one brand over another, there are plenty of helpful customer service staff available by phone and online to help you make the best choice.
TIG Welding Machine Advantages And Disadvantages
TIG Welding Machine Advantage:
- Unlike other forms of arc welding that require a heavy and bulky electrode holder, TIG machines are compact and lightweight. Also, because tig welding machines are usually fitted with a foot pedal, the control of the current is in the hands of the operator.
- Tig welding machines can be easily transported from one location to another; they are perfect for those who need to take their welding equipment to job sites.
- TIG welders’ ability to produce high-quality welds in a clean, efficient and precise manner makes it one of the most popular forms of welding available today. Its portability and low cost make it easy for anyone to get into using this equipment which is why it’s such a popular choice for welding professionals and hobbyists alike.
- As opposed to GTAW, the tungsten electrode is not consumed during its welding process, therefore there will be no change to the arc length which is an important consideration in automatic welding.
- The TIG process offers excellent control of the heat input into the workpiece. However, this does require a sound knowledge of how best to use this machine and the skill to do so. Maintaining its accuracy and quality of weld requires a high degree of skill.
TIG Welding Machine Disadvantage:
- Tig welding equipment uses gas for shielding which is an added cost to the operation. Also, tig welding machine maintenance costs can be higher than other types of welding machines due to the complex nature of its components.
- Tends to be relatively expensive compared with other forms of welding due to the high level of expertise required to operate it.
- We have already mentioned that tig welding requires more skill to master than other forms of welding, but the lightweight tig welding equipment makes it an easy process to learn.