If you are a welder, you now various types exist. Of these, MIG or metal inert gas (MIG) welding is common. In fact, MIG is one of the most readily available forms of welding in shops throughout Cleveland. However, many welders realize MIG is not suitable for all applications. They know that, in many instances, other types will serve the purpose better. One of the many formats capable of addressing specific concerns is TIG welding.
Name that Welding
Like MIG welding, TIG is an acronym. It is short for tungsten inert gas. However, once again like MIG, it is not sufficient to have a single name. In fact, TIG suffers from having two other names:
- Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)
- Heli-arc welding – referring to the original gas employed – helium, and the Hobart “Heli-Arc” machine
Yet, it remains popularly known as TIG.
Equipment
TIG requires several pieces of equipment and materials to provide quality welds. They consist of the following:
- Gas – helium (He) and argon (Ar) and hose for the gas supply
- AC/DC electrical power source
- Torch or gun
- Tungsten electrode – non combustible
- Connection cables
- Coolant
- Filler rods – filler is optional
These equipment components for TIG welding combine to produce tight, precise welds. The welding method finds favor in Cleveland shops for its ability to execute welds with exactitude and tight control over the weld area. Moreover, the process results in both low distortion and no splatter or slag. This makes it ideal for the aerospace industry and race car fabrication.
TIG Welding
When it comes to executing precise joints and quality cuts, metal shops in Cleveland often abandon MIG welding in preference for another form. When it comes to exactitude, it is difficult to match the quality of TIG welding. This explains its demand in certain applications. In particular, in the aerospace industry, where thin welds are an integral component of their specifications, TIG is the method of choice.
