1. TIG Welding
An inert electrode (tungsten) is completely shrouded in an inert gas such as argon, helium or a mixture of both. A filler wire may be used. TIG provides the conditions for high localised heat necessary for good aluminium and stainless steel welds. When correctly produced TIG welds should be clean with minimal oxides.
TIG Welding Advantages:
Precision – TIG welding provides a high degree of precision and accuracy, making it ideal for applications that require tight tolerances and intricate details.
Versatility -TIG welding can be performed on a wide range of metal materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and mild steel, making it a versatile welding technique.
Quality – TIG welding produces clean and visually appealing welds with minimal oxide formation, making it ideal for critical applications where appearance is important. Additionally, the use of an inert gas shield during TIG welding helps to prevent contamination and promote high-quality welds.
2. MIG welding
The Metal Inert Gas process provides heat through an arc between the part and a consumable electrode. As in TIG the arc zone is completely shrouded in an inert gas such as argon, helium or a mixture. MIG provides the conditions for the high localised heating that is required for good aluminium and stainless steel welds. The consumable electrode is fed into the weld pool automatically.
Mig Welding Advantages:
Speed – MIG welding is a fast and efficient welding process, making it ideal for large-scale production and repair work.
Ease of Use – MIG welding is a relatively simple process that requires minimal skill and training compared to other welding techniques, making it accessible to a wider range of people.
Consistency – MIG welding provides a consistent and repeatable weld, making it ideal for applications where uniformity is important, such as mass production and large-scale fabrication projects. Additionally, the use of a continuously fed electrode during MIG welding reduces the need for frequent stops and starts, increasing efficiency and consistency.
3. Metallic arc welding
Also known as stick welding, a rod is electrically energised to produce a high temperature arc (spark) against the metal to be welded. The ‘stick’ is consumed during the process and becomes the filler metal in the weld pool.
Arc Welding Advantages:
High welding speed – Arc welding is faster compared to other welding methods, making it a cost-effective solution for large production runs.
Versatility – Arc welding can be used with a wide variety of metals including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.
Deep weld penetration – Arc welding produces deeper welds, making it suitable for welding thick materials and ensuring strong and permanent joints.