TIG Welding Applications Advantages and Disadvantages

Read: TIG welding process

 

Application of TIG welding

TIG welding is a versatile process that can be used in a variety of industries and applications.

• The TIG process used to join a wide range of metal. It can weld reactive metals like aluminium, magnesium, copper, nickel, titanium, etc. and their alloys.
• TIG can be used to weld in any position flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead position. TIG welding enables a wider range of joint designs in comparison to conventional shielded arc welding or stick electrode welding.
• Precision welding: TIG welding is a precise process that is well-suited for welding thin sheets of metal and creating high-quality, attractive welds.
  
• TIG welding is suitable for combining dissimilar metals, hard facing, and the surfacing of metals.
  
• It used where quality is critical. Eg. Pipes, vessels, medical equipment aerospace industry.
• Art and design: TIG welding is used in art and design to create sculptures and other decorative items.

1. Non-consumable electrodes - It helps to provide flawless joints because it is not needed to stop for replacing the electrode as in consumable electrode welding. That also contributes to reducing downtime in production.
2. No flux is required because inert gas shields molten metal. So no slag and slag inclusion problems.
3. High quality and strong welding achieved by TIG.
4. Cleaner and more appealing joints. Sometimes they don’t need finishing process.
5. They are suitable for welding of very thin sections.
6. The versatility of method. They can work with and without filler metal.
7. A wide range of metal can be welded. Nonferrous metals like aluminium, copper and dissimilar metal can be welded without any challenge.
8. Non-corrosive and ductile joints.
9. The minimum amount of flames and spark. Less distortion due to small heat zone.
10. Compared to welds produced through ordinary shield arc welding, TIG welds possess greater strength, ductility, and resistance to corrosion.
    
11. It can be done in both automatic and manual.

1. TIG is a time-consuming process - They are slower than any other welding process. Lower filler deposition rate.
2. More complicated - Highly skilled and professional workers are needed to perform TIG welding.
3. Safety issue - Welders, are exposed to high intensity of light which can cause eye damage.
4. High initial cost.
5. It cannot use in thicker sheets of metal.

Read:
Function of electrode coating in arc welding