TIG welding
How does tig welding work?
Quick answer
TIG welding (GTAW — Gas Tungsten Arc Welding): a non-consumable tungsten electrode arcs under pure argon while you hand-feed filler rod. It's the quality benchmark where appearance, control or exotic metals matter.
What's happening at the arc
In TIG welding (GTAW — Gas tungsten Arc Welding), an electric arc (or, for laser, a focused beam) delivers intense localized heat that melts the base metal and, where used, the filler. The shielding gas — pure argon (100%) — keeps air off the pool; without it the weld goes porous and weak.
Where it fits in Australian workshops
Aluminium work in Australia needs an AC-capable TIG — DC-only machines handle steel and stainless only.
Settings by thickness
| Thickness (steel) | Current (DCEN) | Tungsten | Filler rod |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 mm | 30–60 A | 1.6 mm | 1.6 mm |
| 1.5–2 mm | 50–90 A | 1.6–2.4 mm | 1.6–2.4 mm |
| 3 mm | 90–130 A | 2.4 mm | 2.4 mm |
| 6 mm | 150–200 A | 2.4–3.2 mm | 3.2 mm |