TIG Welder Suppliers

TIG or tungsten inert gas welding is more difficult than other traditional types of welding as it does not use a filler material. Tungsten is the type of metal used in the electrode and is considered a non-consumable metal. This refers to the fact that the electrode does not melt to form a weld between the spaces in the workpiece. Instead, it produces enough heat to turn the base metal into a liquid state, known as molten metal.

TIG welding shields the molten metal by utilising inert gas (argon) that is stored in high pressure cylinders to prevent a reaction with oxygen and water vapour from taking place. This results in a strong high quality weld.

A TIG welding machine produces extremely high temperatures by producing an electric circuit capable of melting metal. Improper use of equipment, lack of skills and even small mistakes while welding can result in serious injury or death. For this reason, specialised equipment must be worn at all times.

Here is a list of safety equipment that should be worn while welding:

• Welding helmet with proper eye protection
• Uncuffed heat-resistant pants
• Ear plugs
• Rubber soled boots
• Welding gloves
• Heat resistant jacket

Multi-process welding machines refer to the machine’s ability to perform two or more of the following types of welding; stick, MIG, TIG, flux-core arc, wire and plasma cutting. TIG welding machines are capable of performing both TIG and stick welding, therefore are considered multi-process. A selector switch on the machine allows the operator to easily choose the required setting. 

TIG welding is unique in that it is capable of welding aluminium. Aluminium is a problem metal for all other types of welding because of its oxidising properties. The oxidation causes welds to become brittle and weak. TIG welding machines minimise oxides from forming at the base of the weld by producing alternating AC and DC currents. It is important to note that not all TIG welding machines have the ability to produce both AC and DC currents.

When choosing a TIG welding machine there are many considerations to be made. 

The first of which is the duty cycle. The duty cycle refers to the percentage of time that the machine can be safely operated at a certain amperage. For example, a machine may run with the following duty cycle - 60% duty cycle at 320 amps - cycles are generally measured in a ten minute time frame. This means the machine will run continuously at 320 amps for 6 minutes and then cool down for the remaining 4 minutes. 

Another consideration to make is the current output of the machine. If the intended use of the machine is to weld aluminium, then a machine that produces both AC and DC currents will be required. 

The thickness of the metal being welded should also be considered when choosing a TIG welding machine. The thicker the material, the higher the output current range will need to be.