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TIG Welding Stainless Steel
TIG Welding Stainless Steel – What it is
Tungsten inert gas, or TIG, welding involves using a non-consumable tungsten electrode to weld a non-ferrous metal in the presence of an inert gas, most often argon (though this may also be combined with helium or nitrogen).
Though the method was originally designed to weld aluminum and titanium, TIG welding stainless steel has become popular for its precision and quality.
TIG Welding Stainless Steel – Overview
Most of the standard welding equipment is used for TIG. You will need a welding torch and power supply, but also a tungsten electrode and a supply of shielding gas (normally argon).
Stainless steel is typically an alloy of steel and chromium, iron or nickel. The process of TIG welding stainless steel involves generating heat from an intense electric arc between a tungsten electrode and stainless steel. Unlike aluminum, direct current is used for stainless steel.
In welding stainless steel, the inert gas is crucial to prevent a reaction between the metal and the atmosphere. Without this gas, the stainless steel would, in fact, become stained.
There are a few tips for producing the best work with stainless steel. An amperage that is too high will cause your tungsten to melt, and one that is too low will produce an unstable arc.
As a rule, one hundred amps for 0.125 inches is sufficient. Use only a moderate amount of heat and be ready to weld when you decide to light up your torch - stainless steel can distort easily, too.
Using a gas lens collet body allows greater gas coverage of the weld, which again protects the metal from distortion. Although this should be obvious, clean materials and equipment ensure the best weld.
TIG welding with stainless steel has many advantages over traditional welding techniques: the method is clean and precise, yields strong, high-quality welds that are more corrosion resistant, and only a short arc length is needed. TIG can be performed with or without the use of filler materials.
It can also be used to bond dissimilar metals. Additionally, TIG welding is safer and causes less damage to stainless steel because the welder has more control and no sparks, flux or smoke is generated.
There are some disadvantages to this method, however: because TIG is more complex, it is more difficult for the welder to use, and is a slower process.
As stated above, cleaning is imperative, as foreign particles can cause cracks in the joints. Some of the equipment, most notably tungsten and its alloys, can be quite expensive.
TIG is commonly used in the bonding of stainless steel to other types of metals, such a those used for kitchen equipment, piping, air- and spacecrafts and medical tools.
For those with an artistic flair, there is also the creation of statues, though this requires some skill with TIG welding.
TIG Welding Stainless Steel – Summary
When high-quality precision is called for, TIG welding stainless steel is an excellent choice.The method gives the welder greater control, enabling him to create work that is clean and exact.
There are some differences to more traditional forms of welding, but with a bit of patience and experience, you will soon be creating many masterful pieces.
TIG Welding Tips
TIG Welding Tips – Overview
TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is a popular choice of method for creating strong, clean, high-quality welds. Due to its versatility, you may select this method for a great number of different metals and projects. There are a few TIG welding tips that will bring out the best welds.
TIG Welding Tips – Some Suggestions
The type of tungsten electrode you use to weld can determine the quality of your product and the ease with which you can work.
There are a few choices of tungsten alloy available. Pure tungsten is a good choice in that it provides a stable arc, is resistant to contamination and is inexpensive.
Ceriated, thoraiated and lanthanated tungsten are probably better choices because each has a long life and allows for easy arc starting and stability.
Finally, if contamination is unacceptable, zirconiated tungsten is the best choice. Also, do not extend your tungsten electrode too much, as you will not be able to hold a close enough arc length.
The shape of the tungsten you are using can also affect your efficiency. When using an inverter at a higher amperage, it is usually best to use a pointed tungsten, and at lower amperage, you should grind the tungsten down.
Beginners are often advised to work with slightly thicker tungsten when learning. Use a tungsten electrode of suitable thickness.
If the tungsten is too thick, you will end up with an erratic arc and probably contaminate your metal.
The amperage should fit the size of the tungsten. Use a high amperage with a small electrode and the electrode is apt to melt off; an amperage that is too low when used with a thick tungsten will create an unstable arc.
The metal you are welding will also require a specific type of current to achieve desired results. Aluminum and magnesium will usually need alternating current, where copper, steel and carbon will require direct current. Also, do not use too much torch gas when working with aluminum.
Practice your welding on scrap if you are a beginner. This allows you to get a feel for the process of welding and lets you make mistakes without jeopardising an important project. When you’re feeling confident, you can move on to the real thing.
Argon is the most popular gas to use, but it is not the only gas. In some instances, mixing in a small amount of helium can make welding easier, especially with smaller inverters or when working with thick aluminum.
Taper off slowly when finishing your project, as some alloys are prone to crater cracks if the amperage is turned off suddenly.
Remember to keep your equipment and materials clean, and to keep calm and flexible. It is actually very difficult to make a bad weld with TIG. Making great welds, though, will take time and experience.
TIG Welding Tips – In Closing
TIG welding can be richly rewarding for those working with the more difficult metals. It takes more time to complete a welding project, but the effort pays off. By following these TIG welding tips, you are well on your way to mastering this unique form of welding.