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Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/27/2025

How Long Do Neon Signs Last?

Neon signs typically last between 8 to 15 years with proper care and maintenance. The specific lifespan depends on factors like quality of materials, environmental conditions, and usage patterns. In this guide, we’ll explain precisely what determines a neon sign’s durability. You’ll also learn how different components age and what businesses can do to maximize …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/27/2025

Is Propane Toxic?

Propane is not toxic in small amounts but can be harmful if inhaled in high concentrations. It displaces oxygen, which can lead to dizziness, unconsciousness, or asphyxiation in enclosed spaces. Propane is also flammable and poses an explosion risk if handled improperly. In this guide, we’ll explore the key safety considerations around propane exposure. We’ll …

Lawrence Haynes | 5 minutes | 06/26/2025

Is Neon a Noble Gas?

Neon is a noble gas – it belongs to Group 18 of the periodic table alongside helium, argon, krypton, xenon, radon, and oganesson. This classification is based on neon’s complete valence electron shell, which gives it remarkable stability and chemical inertness. In this guide, you’ll learn about neon’s properties as a noble gas. We’ll also …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 06/26/2025

What CO₂ Level Is Dangerous?

Carbon dioxide becomes immediately dangerous at 40,000 ppm. Still, cognitive impairment begins at concentrations as low as 1,000 ppm. In this guide, we’ll explore the specific CO₂ thresholds that pose health risks. We’ll also cover: Occupational Safety Standards for CO₂ Exposure OSHA sets the permissible CO₂ exposure limit at 5,000 ppm as an 8-hour time-weighted …

Tyler O'Brien | 4 minutes | 05/30/2025

Can You TIG Weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2? 

You should not TIG weld with 75% Argon and 25% CO2 because CO2 causes arc instability, spatter, and oxidation. TIG welding requires 100% Argon to maintain a stable arc and prevent contamination. Using a CO2 mix will degrade weld quality and damage tungsten electrodes. Below is a detailed analysis of the feasibility of using this …

Lawrence Haynes | 3 minutes | 05/30/2025

What Gas Do You Use to Weld Aluminum?

Pure argon is the main shielding gas used for welding aluminum, though helium and argon-helium mixtures can also be used depending on specific application requirements. Your chosen gas significantly impacts weld quality, penetration depth, and overall efficiency of the welding process. To help you make an informed decision, this guide outlines the most commonly used …

Lawrence Haynes | 4 minutes | 05/29/2025

The Benefits of Adding Hydrogen to Argon in Welding

Adding hydrogen to argon in welding can significantly enhance welding performance, especially when working with austenitic stainless steel. This specialized gas mixture offers several advantages, which we outline in this guide. To help you get the most out of hydrogen and argon, we’ll also go over the key considerations and safety tips to follow. Enhanced …

Tyler O'Brien | 6 minutes | 05/29/2025

What Gas Do You Use to Weld Stainless Steel?

Pure argon is the most common gas used to weld stainless steel, especially for TIG welding of thin materials. For thicker stainless steel or MIG welding applications, specialized mixtures like argon-helium, argon-CO₂, or tri-mix gases provide better penetration and arc stability. In this guide, you’ll learn how different shielding gases affect stainless steel welding quality …

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 welding applications. Heat Source and Temperature Differences Gas welding relies on a chemical reaction between oxygen …

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 …