TIG Welding Advantages and Disadvantages

Application of TIG welding

• The TIG process used to join a wide range of metal. It can weld aluminium, magnesium, copper, nickel, titanium, etc. and their alloys.
• TIG can be used to weld in any position flat, horizontal, vertical, overhead position.
• It used where quality is critical. Eg. Pipes, vessels, aerospace industry.

Advantages of TIG welding

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. It can be done in both automatic and manual.

Disadvantage of TIG welding

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