TIG Welding Advantages and Disadvantages: What you should know?

TIG (Tungsten inert gas) welding is growing in popularity very fast because of its versatility. TIG welding has been used in industries for a decade now because of its extra durability that ensures high-quality welds without the risk of early damage. You can weld and join any kind of metal, including the refractory metals. TIG welding has become an essential tool for high-quality professional welding nowadays.

TIG welding needs a lot of effort to master the technique. If you are a beginner you should know the advantages and disadvantages of TIG welding in detail to consider the right tool for your project.

In this article, I have discussed TIG welding advantages and disadvantages and what you should know before starting the project. Have a look at the article.

1. Allows you more precision

TIG welding allows you more precise welds compared to other welding techniques. The tool ensures less spattering and provides more control over the temperature with visibly awesome results. With the amperage control system you can create the more precise and fine lines with the full strength. Besides, you can clearly observe the work and electrode in the weld puddle. Due to the shield created by inert-gas, the arc is transparent.

2. Clean and smooth welding

If you want clean, smooth, shiny, and attractive welds, TIG welding is the only thing you should choose. TIG welds are well-known for their shiny smooth welds. Though other welds need finishing works to be done, TIG welding provides you a clean and smooth finishing from the beginning of the work.

3. Can be operated from any position

One of the advantages of TIG welding you can count is, it can be operated from any position: vertical, horizontal, and thickness dimensions. Moreover, the tool comes with different sizes and shapes that allow you to exert it in open, restricted, and even narrow spaces. 

4. Non-consumable electrodes

TIG welder comes with a non- consumable electrode that allows you to work continuously for a long time. Unlike MIG welding, you don't need to change the electrodes over and over. Thus the tool ensures you max productivity.

5. More control over heat

You’ll find a pedal with TIG welder that resembles a lot like the accelerator and brake pedals in automobiles. With this pedal, you can control the heat produced by the unit. Press the pedal slowly to generate the heat level you need for your weld. 

6. Versatility

TIG welding is a versatile welding technique that can work on both metal filler or without metal filler, while other welders must need metal filler. You can weld Chromoly, aluminum, steel, copper, brass, magnesium, and even gold. Besides, this welding technique is ideal for cosmetic welding while working on automobiles.

Moreover, TIG welding comes with two chambers. One chamber is exclusively designed for welding refractory metals like tungsten, molybdenum, niobium, and titanium.

7. Produce less smoke

The best feature of TIG welding is it produces less smoke while you start working on the puddle. But make sure the metal you are working on is clean because oil, paint, zinc, or grease can cause a potential problem. Even a poor bead can cause a harmful impact.

8. No flux

TIG welding doesn't need any flux since the inert gas is used to shield the molten metals. So there is no chance of slag inclusion. Mostly, Argon gas is used for TIG welding applications. This one gas can handle all of your projects since it can shield all metal types and thicknesses.  Moreover, Argon gas is safer for the atmosphere which ensures a cleaner welding process.

9. No spatter

Spatter (small filler droplets occur due to arc) is a common problem while welding because it needs grinding to clean these spatters afterward. Almost every welding creates spatter, but TIG welding is an exception, producing a little spatter or no spatter at all. If your base metal isn't properly cleaned, it might produce a little spatter; otherwise, it doesn't at all.

10. Corrosion-resistant

TIG welding is famous for offering corrosion-resistant welds that don't get rusty with time.

Tig Welding Disadvantages

1. Time-consuming process

TIG welding is a time-consuming process. The process is slower than any other welding because of its lower filler metal deposition rate. Yet, after consuming a good amount of time, it provides a clean and smooth weld. If you want faster welding, you shouldn't go for TIG welding. 

2. Complicated operation

TIG welding is exclusively for professional use, thus needs a skilled hand to operate it. TIG welding requires both hands to operate it—one holding the torch and the other holding the filler materials. Also, creating the arc between the electrode and base metal precisely is equally challenging. And, the whole process is harder for beginners. So, it's advisable to acquire the skill before you start a project.

3. Inert-gas is costly

The inert gas of a TIG welding is very costly compared to the flux materials used in other weldings. Also, the inert gas doesn't feature any cleaning procedure; thus needs proper cleaning before starting operation.

Moreover, the machine itself is the costlier one.

4. Safety issues

TIG welding produces a high UV ray, which is extremely harmful to the eyes. Hence, safety gears for eyes are a must while operating.

5. Works only on thinner metals

TIG welding doesn’t work well on thick metals. This process works well on lightweight metals only.