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Welding

Welding is a process that joins materials, usually metals or thermoplastics, by melting and fusing them together, commonly used in construction, manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and shipbuilding industries. Key gases used in welding include argon, which shields the weld area from contamination in gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW); carbon dioxide, used in GMAW for deeper penetration and faster welding speeds; oxygen, added to argon or argon/CO2 mixtures to stabilize the arc; helium, used with argon for welding materials like aluminum and copper to provide better heat input; and hydrogen, mixed with argon for welding stainless steel to enhance weld penetration and arc stability. These gases are essential for ensuring clean, high-quality welds.

Gases for welding

Welding FAQs

Learn more about the welding gases and services we offer.

What role do industrial gases play in welding?

Industrial gases are essential in welding for shielding the weld area from atmospheric contamination, providing the necessary environment for the welding process, and sometimes acting as a reactant in the welding process itself.

Which industrial gases are commonly used in welding?

Common gases used in welding include argon (Ar), carbon dioxide (CO₂), oxygen (O₂), helium (He), and various gas mixtures. Each gas has specific properties that make it suitable for different welding processes.

What is the purpose of shielding gases in welding?

Shielding gases protect the weld pool from atmospheric gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen, which can cause defects like porosity, oxidation, and weak welds. They create an optimal environment for the welding arc and improve the quality of the weld.

How is argon used in welding?

Argon is an inert gas commonly used as a shielding gas in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW or TIG) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG). It provides excellent arc stability and produces clean, high-quality welds.

What are the benefits of using carbon dioxide in welding?

Carbon dioxide is often used in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW or MIG) as a shielding gas. It is cost-effective and provides deep weld penetration. However, it can produce more spatter compared to other gases and is often used in mixtures to balance its effects.

Why is helium used in welding?

Helium is used for its high thermal conductivity, which results in a hotter arc compared to argon. It is often mixed with argon in GTAW and GMAW to increase heat input, improve weld penetration, and enhance welding speed, especially for thicker materials.

How does oxygen enhance the welding process?

Oxygen is sometimes added in small amounts to shielding gas mixtures to improve arc stability and increase penetration. It is used in processes like GMAW for welding carbon and low-alloy steels but must be controlled to avoid oxidation.

What are the common gas mixtures used in welding?

Common gas mixtures include argon-CO₂, argon-helium, and argon-oxygen blends. These mixtures are tailored to specific welding applications to optimize arc characteristics, penetration, and weld quality.

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