1 of 2

http://www.aws.org/ad/gtaw.html

GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING

GAS TUNGSTEN ARC welding (GTAW) uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode which must be shielded
with an inert gas. The arc is initiated between the tip of the electrode and work to melt the metal being
welded, as well as the filler metal, when used. A gas shield protects the electrode and the molten weld pool,
and provides the required arc characteristics. This process is illustrated in Figure 1.6 below.

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 with direct current electrode positive.
When ac is used with argon shielding, an arc cleaning action is produced at the joint surfaces on aluminum
and magnesium. This cleaning action removes oxides and is particularly beneficial in reducing weld porosity
when welding aluminum. When using dc, helium may be used as the shielding gas to produce deeper
penetration. However, stringent precleaning of aluminum and magnesium parts is required with helium
shielding. Argon and helium mixtures for gas shielding can provide some of the benefits of both gases.
Regardless of polarity, a constant current (essentially vertical volt-ampere characteristic) welding power
source is required. In addition, a high-frequency oscillator is generally incorporated in power sources designed
for GTAW. High-frequency can be employed with dc to initiate the arc instead of touch starting to minimize
tungsten electrode contamination. Normally, the high frequency is turned off automatically after arc ignition.
The high frequency power is normally operated continuously with ac to maintain ionization of the arc path as
the arc voltage passes through zero.
Some special power sources provide pulsating direct current with variable frequency. This provision permits
better control of the molten weld pool when welding thin sections, as well as when welding in positions other
than flat.
Several types of tungsten electrodes are used with this process. Thoriated and zirconiated electrodes have
better electron emission characteristics than pure tungsten, making them more suitable for dc operations. The
electrode is normally ground to a point or truncated cone configuration to minimize arc wander. Pure tungsten
has poorer electron emission characteristics but provides better current balance with ac welding. This is
advantageous when welding aluminum and magnesium.

12/25/2013 4:25 PM