Fortis Metals
Contact Us
Blog
What is TIG Welding Wire: Types, Uses & Advantages?

What is TIG Welding Wire: Types, Uses & Advantages?

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is very accurate and versatile and is highly preferred in the context of use where high-quality welds are a strict requirement. The magic behind the process is the TIG welding wire, a critical consumable whose effect is felt directly on weld strength, appearance, and lifespan. The use of TIG welding wire, its types, and the process of choosing the best one to suit your needs will be explained here.

What is TIG Welding Wire?

TIG welding, or GTAW, employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce a weld. There is an arc between the work and tungsten electrode, and hand-fed filler material (TIG welding wire) is introduced into the molten pool. The process is used because it produces clean, neat, and aesthetically pleasing welds on most base metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and nickel alloys.

Principal TIG Welding Equipment

  • Tungsten Electrode: The non-consumable electrode employed to form the welding arc.
  • Shielding Gas: Generally argon or helium that envelops the weld area against atmospheric contamination.
  • Filler Wire: The wire which is being deposited and consumed in the weld pool to provide fusion and build up the accumulation of the joint.

Definition and Function

TIG welding wire is the filler wire that is used in welding. Its main function is to supply additional material to the weld pool in making solid and sound joints between workpieces. The selection process of filler wire is very important as it should be compatible with the base material composition and structure to maintain weld integrity.

Composition and Material Types

TIG wire is also developed in multiple composition blends to be used in different base materials:

  • Stainless Steel: Tough, corrosion-resistant white wire that is typically used in food, pharmaceutical, and chemical applications.
  • Aluminum: Light weight, corrosion-resistant, and best for use in auto and aerospace.
  • Mild Steel: General construction and general fabrication because it is strong and affordable.
  • Nickel Alloys: Offer high-temperature tensile properties and corrosion resistance to be utilized in power generation, and petrochemical sectors.

Types of TIG Welding Wire

Stainless Steel TIG Wire

Stainless steel TIG wires such as ER308L, ER316L, and ER309L are used for welding stainless steel of various grades. These possess high corrosion properties and are utilized widely in the food processing sector, pharmaceuticals, and marine companies.

Aluminum TIG Wire

Aluminum TIG wires such as DR4043 and ER5356 are formulated to help support the aluminum's high thermal conductivity. They have high corrosion-resistant welds and find vast applications in the automotive, aerospace, and marine industries.

Mild Steel TIG Wire

TIG wires such as ER70S-3 and ER70S-6 for mild steel are employed in welding carbon steel. They are ductile and of high strength and find application in structural, pipeline, and general fab work.

Specialty Alloys (Nickel, Titanium, etc.)

Alloy TIG wires are used in order to weld high-performance products. Nickel wires have greater heat and corrosion resistance, while titanium wires are used in aerospace and medical implants depending upon strength-to-weight ratio along with biocompatibility.

Choosing the Appropriate TIG Welding Wire

The proper choice of TIG welding wire must be selected for the best weld quality. The below factors must be taken into consideration:

Material Compatibility

Select the filler wire in such a way that properties and composition are the same as the base metal. Weld 304 stainless steel, for instance, using ER308L wire to maintain corrosion resistance and strength.

Wire Diameter and Size

Wire size is to be chosen based on the material thickness to be welded. The thicker the material, the bigger the wire size must be so that there should be enough filler material to be produced in the weld pool.

Shielding Gas Choice

Shielding gas choice decides weld quality and arc stability. The most adaptable material is argon, and helium or argon-helium mix is utilized in certain applications for added deeper penetration.

Welding Position and Method

Certain welding positions (horizontal, vertical, overhead, flat) and techniques (hot wire, pulsed) might necessitate adjustment of wire choice to allow optimal weld quality and production.

Applications of TIG Welding Wire

TIG welding wire is utilized in the diversified industries due to the fact that it possesses the ability to create excellence welds:

Industrial and Manufacturing Applications

Ship building industry, construction, and heavy machinery TIG welding wire is utilized to create parts that are strength and hardness in nature, i.e., structural supports, pipelines, and pressure vessels.

Automotive and Aerospace Industries

Accuracy and precision are the needs of the automotive and air industries. Motor and aircraft parts like chassis parts, aircraft frames, and exhausts are fabricated employing TIG welding wire where the material must be low in weight and high in strength.

Artisanal and Precision Fabrication

TIG welding wire is used by artists and craftsmen in making small metal sculpture and custom designs. The very nature of TIG welding requires working on a small scale with minimal distortion.

Benefits of Using TIG Welding Wire

  • Highly High Precision and Glossy Finish: TIG welding provides a glossy, clean finish with minimal spatter, shortening post-weld cleanup time.
  • Ideal Control and Longevity: The process offers greatest control over the heat input, thus yielding good and durable welds.
  • Sparingly Suitable for Thin Metals and Intricate Joints: TIG welding is well-suited to thin metals and intricate joints where other than TIG process is not needed.
  • Less Spatter and Stunning Welds: The environment of TIG welding, being controlled, yields less spatter, thus resulting in great welds with an aesthetic touch.

Reminders for Maintenance and Storage

Reminders for Maintenance and Storage

  • Storage: Welding wires must be stored in dry and clean locations so as not to contribute to corrosion as well as contamination.
  • Handling: Welding wires must be handled with gloves to prevent oil and moisture contamination.
  • Inspection: Inspect welding wires for corrosion or damage on a regular basis prior to use.

Proper choice of the right TIG welding wire is highly critical while trying to attain quality welds that can satisfy other industries' demands. Having knowledge about TIG welding wires and material range, wire size, and shield gas choice allows the welders to attain the best performance and weld life. Irrespective of the application in industrial production, motor vehicle, aircraft, or precision engineering, the right TIG welding wire is the secret to the success of your welding applications. GET premium TIG welding wires by Fortis Metal N.A Inc. that ensure strong welds, smooth performance and durability for all industrial applications.

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .

  • .
  • .
  • .
  • .