Chapter 11

Joining Processes

11.1 Tungsten Inert-gas Welding (TIG)

Process Description

An electric arc is automatically generated between the workpiece and a non-consumable tungsten electrode at the joint line. The parent metal is melted and the weld created with or without the addition of a filler rod. Temperatures at the arc can reach 12,000°C. The weld area is shielded with a stable stream of inert gas, usually argon, to prevent oxidation and contamination (Figure 11.1).

image

Figure 11.1 Tungsten Inert-gas Welding.

Materials

Most non-ferrous metals (except zinc), commonly aluminium; nickel; magnesium and titanium alloys; copper and stainless steel. ...

Get Manufacturing Process Selection Handbook now with the O’Reilly learning platform.

O’Reilly members experience books, live events, courses curated by job role, and more from O’Reilly and nearly 200 top publishers.