TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a welding process that utilizes a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. It is widely used for welding various metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and other alloys.
In TIG welding, an electric arc is generated between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The electrode and the weld area are protected from atmospheric contamination by a shielding gas, typically argon or a mixture of argon and helium. The shielding gas prevents oxidation and ensures a clean weld.
During the welding process, the welder manually feeds a filler rod into the weld puddle to create the joint. The heat generated by the electric arc melts the base metal and filler rod, which then solidify to form a strong, durable weld.
TIG welding offers several advantages, including precise control over the weld, the ability to create high-quality welds with excellent appearance, and the capability to weld thin materials. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and fabrication, where precision and high-quality welds are essential. However, TIG welding requires a higher level of skill and expertise compared to other welding processes due to its manual operation and intricate control over the welding parameters.