Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
Tungsten Inert Gas welding (TIG) can also be called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). This unique arc welding process involves a welding gun, power supply, inert gas, non-consumable Tungsten electrode, and sometimes a filler material. There are advantages of TIG welding because there is more control compared to other welding applications which allows for higher quality welds.
How Does TIG Welding Work?
Tungsten is a non-consumable electrode used to produce the weld while an inert gas (usually argon, helium, carbon dioxide or a mixture of them) passes through the gun to prevent any atmospheric contamination from occurring. Plasma is created from highly ionized gas and metal vapors that produce the welding arc by utilizing an electrical current power supply through the welding gun. A filler material can be used, but autogenous welds do not require it.
What is an Autogenous Weld?
Autogenous welds occur when the two metal work pieces melt together from the heat and electrode reaction without a filler material. This is commonly used in thinner welds.
When to Use TIG Welding?
With more control on this type of weld, TIG welding is best used on thinner sheet metals, such as aluminum and stainless steel. That is why TIG welding is often associated with the aerospace industry, though many other industries utilize this welding process as well. TIG welding can be used on thicker welds; however the weld is much slower than other welding applications.
How to Automate TIG Welding?
TIG welding can be automated with the use of robots. This helps increase productivity and quality of the product. Robotics can help meet higher specs required due to their consistency, control and reachability. RobotWorx has many types of TIG welding robots available and works with customers to incorporate the robots into many types of industries. With knowledge and experience, RobotWorx provides the best guidance on which robots and work area setups are right for each individual customer.
To learn more on how to incorporate a TIG welding robot into your business, contact RobotWorx at 740-251-4327.
References:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gas_tungsten_arc_welding
