Active TIG Welding vs. TIG Welding

Attribute	Active TIG Welding	TIG Welding
Gas used	Argon with added hydrogen	Argon
Heat input	Higher heat input	Lower heat input
Welding speed	Higher welding speed	Lower welding speed
Penetration depth	Deeper penetration	Shallower penetration
Electrode consumption	Less electrode consumption	More electrode consumption

Introduction

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is a popular welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. Active TIG welding, on the other hand, is a variation of TIG welding that introduces an active gas component to the process. Both methods have their own set of attributes and advantages, which we will explore in this article.

Process

In traditional TIG welding, the welder uses a torch to create an arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The heat generated by the arc melts the base metal and filler rod, creating a strong weld joint. Active TIG welding adds an active gas component, such as oxygen or nitrogen, to the shielding gas used in the process. This active gas helps to improve the weld penetration and overall weld quality.

Weld Quality

One of the key differences between Active TIG welding and TIG welding is the quality of the weld produced. Active TIG welding typically results in a higher quality weld with better penetration and a cleaner finish. The addition of the active gas component helps to remove impurities from the weld pool, resulting in a stronger and more durable weld joint. TIG welding, while still producing high-quality welds, may not have the same level of penetration and cleanliness as Active TIG welding.

Penetration

Penetration is an important factor to consider when comparing Active TIG welding and TIG welding. Active TIG welding is known for its deep penetration capabilities, making it ideal for welding thicker materials or for applications where strong weld joints are required. The active gas component helps to increase the heat input and energy transfer to the weld pool, resulting in better penetration. TIG welding, while still capable of producing strong welds, may not penetrate as deeply as Active TIG welding.

Speed

When it comes to welding speed, TIG welding is generally slower than Active TIG welding. The addition of the active gas component in Active TIG welding helps to increase the welding speed by improving the overall efficiency of the process. This can be beneficial for projects that require a faster turnaround time or for welders looking to increase their productivity. TIG welding, while producing high-quality welds, may take longer to complete due to its slower welding speed.

Applications

Both Active TIG welding and TIG welding have a wide range of applications in various industries. Active TIG welding is often used in industries where high-quality welds with deep penetration are required, such as aerospace, automotive, and nuclear. The improved weld quality and penetration capabilities of Active TIG welding make it a popular choice for critical applications. TIG welding, on the other hand, is commonly used in industries such as fabrication, construction, and general manufacturing where high-quality welds are needed but deep penetration may not be as critical.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both Active TIG welding and TIG welding have their own set of attributes and advantages. Active TIG welding offers improved weld quality, better penetration, and increased welding speed compared to traditional TIG welding. However, TIG welding is still a reliable and widely used welding process that produces high-quality welds. The choice between Active TIG welding and TIG welding ultimately depends on the specific requirements of the project and the desired outcome of the weld joint.