Argon arc welding

Argon arc welding – is a metal welding process performed in an inert gas environment called argon. Welding can be performed with either non-consumable or consumable electrodes. The most common option is automatic argon arc welding Non-consumable electrode. A tungsten electrode is used as the non-consumable part. There are several types of argon arc welding:

• AAD – automatic argon arc welding with a non-consumable electrode;
• RAD – manual argon arc welding using a non-consumable electrode;
• AADP – automatic argon arc welding using a consumable electrode.
• Argon arc welding using a tungsten electrode has its own designations:
• GTAW – gas tungsten arc welding (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding);
• TIG – tungsten inert gas welding (TungstenInertGas).

Features of argon arc welding

Work on welding metal parts using argon arc welding Welding is performed in an argon environment, which is virtually non-reactive with air. Furthermore, argon is denser than air, resulting in the inert gas completely displacing air and, consequently, oxygen from the welding environment. This completely protects the weld from oxidation reactions. This eliminates oxides and intense slag formation at the weld site.

The welding process involves an inert gas flowing downwards and entering directly into the weld pool. This completely displaces oxygen from the weld. Heating and melting of the metal is achieved by generating an arc between the electrode and the workpiece.

It's important to note that the arc that melts the metal affects not only the parts or workpieces, but also the filler wire used to fill seams and joint voids. The seam filling process relies on jet and globular transfer of filler material. To successfully complete this process, it's important to remember that jet transfer is only possible with an arc current of 260 Amps, while globular transfer is successful with an arc current of 120–240 Amps. Using a tungsten electrode allows for a stable, continuous flow at a current of around 100 Amps.

Argon arc welding – pros and cons

One of the best qualities of argon arc welding is the ability to maintain low heat in the parts being welded. This eliminates the need for tempering after assembly. Another significant advantage argon arc welding is The ability to create automated argon-arc welding. The process can be easily automated and fine-tuned to achieve maximum quality and productivity.

The following disadvantages of argon arc welding should be highlighted:

• the need to continue blowing the weld seam with inert argon even after the arc is turned off; the temperature at the welding site should drop to 400 degrees;
• impossibility of use argon arc welding in windy weather outdoors;
• high levels of ultraviolet radiation during the welding process.