Overview of TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding
TIG welding has had many
names and because it started in
the 1941s many older welders
may refer to it as “heliarc”
welding. This welding was
initially used in the war efforts
to weld airplanes because it did
a good job on aluminum,
magnesium, and stainless steel.
The reason it was called
“heliarc” is because it needed an
inert gas as a shielding gas and
helium was what was available
at that time. As people began to
experiment with inert gases
they found that Argon was a
better choice than helium
because it is a heavier gas and
had less flow rate than helium.
TIG welding has been found to
be a better choice for flat
welding because of its even
flow. It was also found that TIG
welders were able to make a
more stable arc and getting the arc going was easier. It is also
important to note that the name was changed to TIG but no one
actually knows why or when this happened.
TIG Uses Electrodes
The TIG welding process uses a tungsten electrode because it
doesn’t burn the way a stick welding process does. Instead the
tungsten becomes like a torch and generates the heat which is what
actually melts the specific metal or filler metal. If you are welding thin
metals you can do it easily with TIG welding. If you need to join thick
metals the process becomes more complicated.
TIG welding is a process that has a learning curve and it can be
difficult to create a strong TIG weld. Some experts say it is better to
learn brazing or acetylene/oxygen welding first because it can teach

how to make a good TIG bead. This is very important when you are
attempting to learn this skill.
Versatility of the Metals
TIG welding can be used on most metals which make it a very
versatile way of welding. Besides the usual metals like stainless steel
and aluminum, you can also use it on nickel, copper and titanium.
When you compare TIG welding to other processes like MIG welding
you will find it is a slower process. There are also TIG machines that
can be used to do this type of welding which has been a welcomed
addition to the process. This type of welding is often used in the
automobile industry and is used to weld bicycle parts, motorcycles and
other vehicles.
Source:
http://www.everlastgenerators.com/wordpress/welders/over
view-of-tig-tungsten-inert-gas-welding/