Welding is an essential process in various industries, welding gases are mostly used to create safe and guaranteed tools and systems. The application area for welding is so vast that different techniques have been developed over the years. Welding methods are chosen based on the aimed results, base material, and ambient conditions.
Some welding methods utilize gasses to achieve various results. Gasses in welding are used in two main categories; fuel gasses and shielding gasses. Fuel gasses generate heat while shielding gasses prevent arc decomposition.
Fuel Gasses
In essence, welding is the process of joining to material through melting. To melt certain materials, high amounts of heat generation are necessary. Those temperatures are reached by burning fuel gasses. In this section, we will discuss common examples.
Acetylene: Acetylene is a fuel gas that is widely used for welding and cutting. The precise mixture of oxygen and acetylene burns in high temperatures with precision. Oxy-acetylene welding is a versatile method used in various industries.
Propane: Propane is often used as an alternative to acetylene for welding and cutting. It does not generate as much heat as acetylene but provides stable flame. Propane is commonly used in outdoor applications and remote settings.
MAPP Gas (Methylacetylene-Propadiene Propane): MAPP gas is a mixture of methylacetylene and propadiene with propane. It can be used in combination with oxygen for welding and cutting applications. MAPP reaches higher temperatures than propane when used in welding. This makes it suitable for tasks such as brazing and soldering.
Shielding Gases
Welding techniques such as MIG and TIG use shielding gasses. Shielding gasses protect the weld arc from ambient conditions, ensuring reliable results. In this section, we will discuss popular shielding gases used in welding.
Argon: Argon is an inert gas used in TIG welding. Argon’s low reactivity makes it a suitable choice as a shielding gas. It minimizes spatter and protects the arc from ambient conditions. Argon is also used in combination with other gasses in MIG applications.
Helium: Helium, another inert gas, is often used with argon to create a welding gas mixture. This blend is ideal for applications with high heat output. The addition of helium improves the heat penetration.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): CO2 provides deep penetration through high-temperature output. This makes it an ideal choice for welding of thicker material. It’s commonly used in conjunction with other gasses to weld ferrous materials.
Conclusion
Welding is an irreplaceable process in many industries. Various techniques have been developed to answer the needs of said industries. These developments provided engineers with viable alternatives to achieve the desired results. But, different techniques also require additional materials, such as gasses. Gasses are either used as a fuel or as a shield in welding. Professionals working in related fields need to be knowledgeable about different welding techniques. Learning about different techniques includes, learning about different materials used such as gasses.
