The process commonly known in Turkey as argon welding is technically called TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas; WIG in German sources). It is designated by reference number 141 in EN ISO 4063. The arc forms between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece, and the weld pool is shielded by argon gas.
Because it produces spatter-free, clean and visually flawless welds, TIG is the first choice for stainless steel, aluminium, thin sheet and critical root passes.
How Does TIG Welding Work?
- Tungsten electrode: Creates the arc but does not melt. The electrode and the filler metal are therefore independent of each other.
- Filler rod: Where required, added to the pool by hand by the welder (or by automatic wire feed). Thin sheet can also be welded without filler.
- Shielding gas: Usually pure argon (EN ISO 14175 I1). Argon-helium mixtures are used for thick aluminium and copper.
- Current type: Direct current (DC, electrode negative) for steel and stainless steel; alternating current (AC) for aluminium and magnesium to break up the oxide layer.
Tungsten Electrode Selection
| Type | Colour Code | Use |
|---|---|---|
| WC20 (ceriated) | Grey | DC and AC, general purpose; a common alternative to thoriated electrodes |
| WL15 / WL20 (lanthanated) | Gold / Blue | DC and AC, easy arc starting, long life |
| WZ8 (zirconiated) | White | AC, aluminium welding |
| WT20 (thoriated) | Red | DC; use is declining because of its radioactive content |
For DC welding the electrode tip is ground to a point; for AC welding it is prepared blunt or slightly rounded.
How Is TIG Welding Done? Basic Steps
- Surface preparation: Oil, paint, rust and oxide are removed completely. Dedicated brushes and tools are used for stainless steel.
- Parameter setting: The current type, amperage (roughly 30–40 A per 1 mm of thickness) and gas flow rate (usually 6–12 l/min) are set.
- Arc starting: The arc is started with high frequency (HF) or lift-arc without touching the electrode to the workpiece.
- Welding: The torch is held at an angle of 70–80° and the filler rod is added at the leading edge of the pool; the rod tip is never taken outside the gas shield.
- Finishing: The current is reduced gradually to fill the crater, and the gas continues to flow for a while afterwards (post-flow).
Important for stainless steel: The back of the root must also be protected from oxidation with argon or forming gas (back purging). Otherwise the root will discolour and corrosion resistance will be lost. Details: TIG welding of stainless steel.
Advantages and Disadvantages
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Spatter-free, clean and neat welds | Low welding speed and deposition rate |
| Precise control of heat input | Requires a highly skilled welder |
| Very wide range of materials | Sensitive to wind and contamination |
| No slag and no need for grinding | Costly on thick sections |
Where Is TIG Welding Used?
- Stainless steel tanks, food and pharmaceutical equipment, hygienic pipework
- Aluminium body, chassis and panel fabrication
- Root passes on pressure vessels and pipelines
- Thin sheet, precision machine parts and visible surfaces
- Titanium, copper and nickel alloys
For work where thick sections and high speed matter, MIG/MAG welding is usually preferred. To compare all processes, see our article on types of welding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are argon welding and TIG welding the same thing?
Yes. The process called "argon welding" in Turkey is technically TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, designated by reference number 141 in EN ISO 4063.
Which gas is used in TIG welding?
Pure argon (EN ISO 14175 I1) is used in most cases. For thick aluminium and copper, argon-helium mixtures may be preferred to increase heat input.
Is aluminium TIG welded with AC or DC?
Aluminium is usually welded with alternating current (AC) because of its cleaning action, which removes the oxide layer from the surface. Direct current (DC, electrode negative) is used for steel and stainless steel.
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