Welding is an essential process in just about every industry. Various techniques are used to melt and fuse metals, steels and alloys.
Arc welding uses the heat generated by an electric arc struck between an electrode and a workpiece to melt and fuse metal in the joint area. This is the most common fusion-based joining method used in industry today.
However, laser welding is growing in popularity in the automotive industry in particular and in other sectors such as microelectronics and shipbuilding. This involves focusing a laser beam onto a workpiece by a set of mirrors. When the laser beam is moved relative to the workpiece, the energy of the focused laser beam melts the metal so that a joint is formed.
In all welding processes, the shielding and process gases, their exact compositions and their purity levels play a key role in influencing weld quality and productivity.
Full-Line Supplier
We deliver the full range of welding, shielding and laser gases along with reliable supply solutions and robust equipment for all standard welding techniques. For more exacting needs, our welding engineers can advise on technically advanced laser welding solutions and bespoke gas mixtures to help you optimise your welding results so you can meet rising competitive, environmental and quality challenges.
Argon
Combining versatility with the benefits of easy arc starts to optimise your productivityAs a pure gas, argon is used for MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys and titanium. It is the most common gas for TIG welding of both carbon and low-alloy steels because of its versatility. The welding arc is very easy to initiate, making argon ideal for all types of arc initiation systems. Argon has the added advantage of being suitable for purging applications.
Argon is best suited to welding thin sections as it does not produce a very fluid weld pool. The ideal operating range for MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials is up to 4mm and 3mm respectively, although argon can be used successfully outside this band. In the case of carbon steel and stainless steel, the recommended TIG welding range is up to 5mm and 3mm respectively. Once again, however, good results can be obtained beyond these guideline values. Talk to our experts for qualified advice on your individual application.
- Benefits at a Glance
- Versatility – most popular shielding gas
- Excellent choice for TIG and MIG welding of ferrous materials
- Suited also to purging due to inert properties
- Supply flexibility – available in bulk or cylinders.