12/13/2023
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), or tig as it's commonly known is likely the most difficult welding process to master. It requires not only the use of both hands, but also one or more feet in order to create the weld. It takes years to master. Tig is commonly used on exotic and non-ferrous metals and is popular for aluminum and stainless steel applications where beauty and strength are desired. In order to successfully create a sound tig weld the fabricator needs to understand more than just how to control his hands and feet simultaneously. The fabricator must also understand the materials he is working with. Stainless steel will turn a multitude of colors depending on gas use, heat input, and technique. The welder must understand not only what color is desirable but also what colors are red flags. He or she must know what it means when the stainless weld turns grey and becomes oxidized and compromised. He or she needs to understand the importance of back purge and tungsten selection. In the case of aluminum the welder needs to not only be proficient in a totally different technique but also understand the melting temperatures of aluminum and its outer layer (aluminum oxide). He or she needs to know tungstens, amperage, gas selection, filler selection as well as have the ability to make the weld visually and mechanically acceptable. Paramount to all that, the welder should be qualified to perform the welding by means of testing. If its being welded, the welder needs to hold an active qualification from the American Welding Society, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, or an equivalent institution.
We pride ourself on our tig welding abilities at WeldAll. We are knowledgeable, tested, qualified, and capable to bring any aluminum, stainless steel, or exotic weldment to successful completion.
If you need this type of welding or your people need this type of training or qualification, we are here to help.
906.399.8558