TIG Equipment
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding, is an arc welding process that uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area is protected from atmospheric contamination by a shielding gas (usually an inert gas such as argon), and a filler metal is normally used, though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. A constant-current welding power supply produces energy which is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and metal vapors known as a plasma. The major components required for TIG welding are :
- The welding machine, or power source
- The welding electrode holder and the tungsten electrode
- The shielding gas supply and controls
- Several optional accessories are available, which include a foot rheostat to control the current while welding, water circulating systems to cool the electrode holders, and arc timers.
Suppliers :
ESAB North America
Electric welding machines
Hobart Brothers
Electric welders
Lincoln Electric Company
Stick, MIG, TIG, plasma
Miller Electric
MIG, TIG, gas drive equipment
Thermal Arc
Welding machines.
Bernard
Torches, water coolers, electrode holders, connectors, carts, booms
Electron Beam
Conduit and connectors
Argon
Argon (Ar) is a noble gas that comprises 0.93 percent of the earth's atmosphere. (Noble gases are a group of rare gases that include argon, helium, krypton, neon, xenon and sometimes radon. They exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates. Also called inert gases.)
Colorless, odorless, tasteless and nontoxic, Argon forms no known chemical compounds. A specific gravity of 1.38 makes argon 25 percent heavier than air making argon an asphyxiation danger in low or confined areas.
Argon is used primarily for applications such as arc welding, analytic equipment, steel making, heat-treating and electronics manufacturing.
