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Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/28/2025

What Shielding Gas Improves FCAW Weld Penetration?

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the shielding gas that provides the best penetration for Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) processes. It creates deeper and broader weld penetration profiles than other options, which makes it ideal for applications requiring maximum joint strength. In this article, we’ll explain why CO2 excels at improving penetration and how different shielding gases …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 05/28/2025

Can You Weld with Nitrogen?

You can weld with nitrogen, but only in specific applications. Nitrogen isn’t typically used as a primary shielding gas like argon or helium, but it serves valuable purposes in specialized welding scenarios. In this article, we’ll go over those scenarios to explain when you should use nitrogen in welding. We’ll also explore its advantages and …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/28/2025

Is Gas Welding Faster than Arc Welding?

No, gas welding is not faster than arc welding. Arc welding processes typically achieve higher speeds due to: In this article, we’ll explore the key factors that influence welding speeds and how these two fundamental processes compare in different applications. Heat Source and Temperature Differences Gas welding relies on a chemical reaction between oxygen and …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/27/2025

Is CO2 Better than Argon for MIG Welding?

Neither CO2 nor argon is universally “better” for MIG welding – each gas has its own benefits depending on your welding application, material, and priorities. In this article, we’ll explore the key differences between these shielding gases to help you determine which is best for different projects. Understanding Shielding Gas Fundamentals The type of shielding …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/27/2025

What Gases Are Used for TIG Welding?

Argon is the main shielding gas used for TIG welding. Helium and various gas mixtures can also be used depending on the specific application and metal being welded. In this guide, we’ll explore the different gases used in TIG welding in more detail. We’ll discuss their properties and show you how to select the right …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/26/2025

Why Is an Inert Shielding Gas Required for GTA Welding?

Inert shielding gases are required for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination. Without these non-reactive gases, oxygen and nitrogen would compromise weld integrity, which could lead to defects and weakened joints. In this article, we’ll explore the main reasons why you need inert gases in …

Tyler O'Brien | 5 minutes | 05/26/2025

What Gases Are Used for MIG Welding?

MIG welding primarily uses argon, carbon dioxide (CO2), or mixtures of these gases as shielding agents. The most common option is a mix of 75% argon and 25% CO2 for mild steel applications. Still, the specific gas choice depends on the metal being welded, so in this guide, we’ll explore the different shielding gases used …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/22/2025

Is Helium Dangerous?

Helium can be dangerous despite being non-toxic. While helium is chemically inert, it poses significant asphyxiation risks by displacing oxygen in enclosed spaces and when inhaled directly. In this article, we’ll explore the dangers associated with helium and the safety precautions industrial and medical users should take when handling this gas. Asphyxiation Risks of Helium …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 05/21/2025

How Cold Is Liquid Helium?

Liquid helium is extremely cold – with a boiling point of -268.93°C (4.2 Kelvin), it’s the coldest liquid on Earth. This temperature is just 4.2 degrees above absolute zero, the lowest theoretically possible temperature in our universe. In this article, you’ll learn why liquid helium reaches such extreme temperatures. We’ll also cover its remarkable properties …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/20/2025

What Is the Role of Helium Gas in Gas Chromatography?

Helium gas acts as a carrier gas in gas chromatography. It transports the sample through the column without reacting with it. Helium’s inert nature and optimal flow characteristics provide fast analysis times and high efficiency, making it a preferred choice for precise separations. In this article, we’ll explore why helium has been the gold standard …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/20/2025

What Is Helium Used For?

Helium is used for cooling MRI machines, inflating balloons, pressurizing rocket fuel tanks, and enabling deep-sea diving mixtures. It also serves in semiconductor manufacturing and as a protective gas in arc welding.  In this article, we’ll explore helium’s versatile applications in more detail and explain why it remains essential for many specialized processes. Medical Applications …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/19/2025

Is Helium Toxic?

Helium is not toxic – it’s an inert gas that doesn’t react with the body. However, inhaling helium in large amounts or from pressurized tanks can displace oxygen and cause asphyxiation.  In this article, we’ll explore helium’s safety profile in more detail. You’ll learn about: Understanding Helium’s Physical Properties and Asphyxiation Risks Helium is an …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/19/2025

Where Does Helium Come From?

Helium comes from two main sources: cosmic nucleosynthesis during the Big Bang and radioactive decay of uranium and thorium within the Earth’s crust. It’s relatively rare on Earth because its low atomic weight allows it to escape Earth’s gravity and disappear into space.  In this article, we’ll explore helium’s from its cosmic origins, as well …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/16/2025

Is Argon Toxic?

Argon is not toxic, but it can be dangerous due to its potential to displace oxygen in confined spaces. While it presents minimal chemical risks as it’s highly inert, it poses a significant asphyxiation hazard.  In this article, we’ll explore how argon affects the human body in more detail. We’ll also discuss the conditions under …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/14/2025

What is Liquid Argon Used For?

Liquid argon is used extensively in industrial and scientific applications, mainly because of its exceptional cooling properties and inert nature. At an ultra-cold temperature of -185.7°C (-302.3°F), this colorless liquid serves as a crucial component in various high-tech processes. We’ve cherry-picked some of the most common use cases of liquid argon, which we’ll cover in …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/12/2025

Can You MIG Weld with 100% Argon?

It’s technically possible to MIG weld with 100% argon, but it’s not recommended because it produces weak, brittle welds with poor penetration. This shielding gas choice is better suited for specific applications like aluminum and nonferrous metals. This guide explains why this is the case and when you can confidently use pure argon. We’ll also …