GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING (GTAW) or TUNGSTEN INERT GAS WELDING (MIG) It is an arc welding process which uses

the process of a none consumable tungsten electrode to create a weld. During the welding process the area is protected from contamination by a shield of gas usually inert gas such as argon and helium and a filler metal is usually used. Though some weld doesnt use it (these welds are called autogenous weld A dc power supply produces energy which is conducted across the arc length though a wall of highly ionized gas and metal vapour known as plasma. Manual gas tungsten arc welding is often considered the most difficult of all the welding processes commonly use today, because the welder is required to maintain a short arc length. Consequently a great deal of skill is required to prevent contact between the electrode and the work. This weld normally required the use of both hands. Manual feed the electrode with one hand and the torch in the other hand; however, some weld combine thin materials (known as autogenous or fission welding) can be accomplished without filler metal: examples are edge, corner and butt joints. The initial arc is sparks by a high frequency generator. This arc forms part of the electric circuit through the shield gas (while the electrode and the work separated approx. 1.5 to 3mm). The welder moves the torch in a pattern which could be circular, zig zag, or step to form a puddle, the size of which depends on the size of the electrode and the amount of current. While maintaining a constant arc length the welder moves the torch back slightly and a filler metal held 10 to 15 degree to the vertical is added to the front of the puddle as needed The electrode is withdrawn from the puddle each time the arc advances, but it is never remove from the gas shield, to prevent oxidization of its surface and contamination of the weld. However, some filler metal with low melting point such as aluminium, require that the weld maintain some distance from the arc while staying inside the gas shield. If held too close to the arc the filler rod can melt before it makes contact with the weld puddle. OPERATION VARIATION Arc voltage (arc length) Shield gas welding current electrode type travel speed

The shielded gas also protect the electrode at prevailing high temperature The tungsten gets readily oxide if it comes in contact with oxygen Sputting does not take place with helium as the shield gas readily.

GTAW Manual gas tungsten arc welding is often considered the most difficult of all the welding processes commonly used in industry.

Figure 1.6
The process may employ direct current with positive or negative electrode or alternating current. In general, ac is preferred for welding aluminum and magnesium. Direct current electrode negative is preferred for welding most other materials and for automatic welding of thick aluminum. Thin magnesium sometimes is welded Gas tungsten arc welding is generally more expensive than SMAW due to the cost of the inert gas, and is only 10 to 20 percent as fast as GMAW. However, GTAW will provide the highest quality root pass, while accommodating a wider range of thicknesses, positions, and geometries than either SMAW or GMAW.