What is meant by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding?
It is an arc welding process which is considered best of many welding processes. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process uses a tungsten electrode that is non-consumable and it produces the weld between the plates.
The welding area when reacted to the atmosphere will form many sedimentation and precipitations. So to avoid all these, the inert gas is filled with the place where welding process is done. A constant electrical supply across the produces plasma which helps in the welding.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is commonly used for welding small and thin sections or plates. Stainless steel, aluminum, manganese and copper alloys can be used for this type of welding. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding gives excellent control and grip over the weld by allowing stronger and higher quality welds.
But when compared to Plasma Arc Welding, this Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is a bit down a step.
Working of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding-
A Gas Tungsten Arc Welding consists of the following parts. They are as follows-
1. Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Head
2. Power
3. Shielding Gas
4. Contact Tube
5. Tungsten Electrode ( Non-consumable )
6. Weld bead
7. Shielding gas
8. Copper Shoe
9. Electric arc
10. Filter rod
The direction of weld must be observed so as to ensure safety conditions.
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process uses two persons for the weld. One person to hold the work pieces together firmly and the other hand to move the welding arc to the work pieces. This is rather a complex task and needs to the co-ordination of the workers and the equipment.
A high-frequency Tesla coil is used for generating an electric spark. This spark is made to pass through inert gases and then allows the arc to initiate its work. The work pieces to be welded must be separated at a distance of 1.5 mm to 3 mm between them.
Once the arc gets fixed to it, the tungsten electrode which is connected to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding head is moved across the gap. With the help of small intersection, the shielding gas is sent to it and the welding is done continuously until the work pieces get fixed firmly.
Advantages of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process-
- The weld obtained by this welding is ductile and stronger.
- There is no flux involved in this welding, so no danger of corrosion.
- These are no slag involved in this welding, so no cleaning is required.
- A very small quantity of smoke or fumes is produced which helps in proper welding.
- The operator can clearly see the weld during welding as the inert gases are used instead of atmospheric gases.
Disadvantages of s Tungsten Arc Welding process-
- The cost of the equipment is very high.
- The thickness of the plate that can be welded is 5 mm and cannot weld higher thickness plates.
- Tungsten electrode does not get melted but it gets damaged due to constant usage.
- This is more complex in design
- This is difficult in handling as it is operated by two persons.
- It is very difficult to master the welding process.
