Gases are essential limbs of amalgamating. Amalgamating creates sparks, so amalgamating gas is needed to inhibit oxidation in the spaces around the weld. It could be divided into protective gases, diluting gases, and compressing gases. Protective gas is mainly used for operations with temperatures higher than 650°C, such as the cutting and forming process and flame cutting process. Diluting gas mixes with air to balance oxygen concentration or nitrogen concentration in the appropriate environment for a specified operation. Compressing welding gas, also known as the carrier gas for fuel-rich amalgamating gas and wire-arc amalgamating wires, mainly includes helium (He), argon (Ar) and hydrogen (H 2 ).
Types of bonding (welding) Gases
Bonding gases are classified according to their chemical composition. The most common bonding gases are:
1. Argon: This is the most popular welding gas as it provides a stable arc and good penetration. It is often used for gas tungsten arc bonding (GTAW) and plasma arc bonding (PAW).
2. Helium: This Welding gas is used to weld thin materials as it provides a very hot, narrow arc. It is often used for GTAW and PAW.
3. Carbon dioxide: This gas is cheaper than argon and provides good penetration. It is often used for metal-inert gas (MIG) bonding.
4. Oxygen: This gas is used primarily for oxy-fuel linking (OFW).
Acetylene Gas
Acetylene gas is often used in linking and cutting applications. Its primary use is in oxy-acetylene linking, a popular choice for those looking to weld metal together. The gas is also used in some torch-linking applications. When mixed with oxygen, it can create a hot flame ideal for cutting through metal.
The main advantage of using acetylene gas is that it is very affordable. Additionally, it is easy to store and transport. It is also one of the most popular choices for linking and cutting applications.
If you are considering using acetylene gas for your next joining or cutting project, be sure to do your thorough research and understand the risks involved. Used properly, acetylene gas can be an excellent choice for many projects.
Tungsten Inert Gas
Most joining gases are mixtures of argon and other inert gases. Helium is sometimes added to the mix to improve arc stability and increase penetration. The gas protects the molten pool of metal from the oxygen in the air, which would otherwise cause it to oxidize and become brittle.
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) joining is a popular type of joining that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the arc. An inert gas, usually argon, shields the arc. TIG joining can weld most metals, including stainless steel, aluminum, and magnesium. TIG fusing is often used for applications with high precision, such as aerospace or medical fabrication, is required.
One advantage of TIG fusing is that it produces little or no smoke or fumes, making it a safer process to use in enclosed spaces. TIG fusing can also be done with no filler metal, making it ideal for repairing thin metal sheets or fusing dissimilar metals.
Conclusion
If you’re new to fusing, the variety of gas options can be understandably overwhelming.
One of the most common attaching gases is argon. Argon is used in MIG and TIG attaching, providing a protective shield around the weld area. This helps to prevent oxidation and other types of weld contamination.
Another common gas is helium. Helium is often used in conjunction with argon, as it helps to increase the heat of the weld area. This can be helpful when working with thicker materials.
Doing thorough research before choosing the best applicable gas for your use is always recommended.
