Longevity Welding's video: Overhead TIG Welding Techniques

In this video Rob will show you the proper techniques and theory to perform an overhead aluminum TIG weld. For our full line of TIG welders, visit our site. http://www.longevity-inc.com/tig-welders WHAT IS TIG WELDING? TIG is the acronym for tungsten inert gas, a type of welding that uses non-consumable tungsten electrodes we can use time and time again. Unlike the electrodes used for stick welding and the filler wire used for metal inert gas (MIG) welding, tungsten electrodes don’t melt and become part of the weld it self. But they are all fusion welding techniques that involve using heat to join metals. There’s another name for TIG welding in the industry, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The gas referred to in both its names is an inert gas mixture that protects the arc as well as the molten weld pool and the HAZ, which is the heat-affected zone right next to the weld. That’s the part right next to the weld puddle that gets really hot while you are welding then cools creating the HAZ. This gas provides a kind of blanket over the weld that stops porosity from forming and impurities and oxygen from getting into the weld witch would lead to potential failure. ELECTRODE DEFINITION: PURE TUNGSTEN: (GREEN) AC Welders use pure tungsten mostly for AC sine wave welding and other less critical, low-current applications. Pure tungsten contains 99.5 percent tungsten, costs less than other electrodes, has a clean, balled tip and provides a good stabile arc. 2% Ceriated: EWCe-2 (ORANGE) AC & DC This electrode contains a min of 97.3 % tungsten, with 1.8 to 2.2 % cerium. And used for low current settings, has a low-amp arc and works well for either AC or DC processes. If thoriated WELDING electrodes aren’t available, ceriated ones provide a great alternative and many welders can’t tell the difference. Avoid using ceriated electrodes at higher amperages because the oxide content is burned away. THORIATED 1% & 2%: EWTh-1 and EWTh-2 (RED) DC 2% thoriated tungsten lasts longer than 1% and has a minimum of 97.3% tungsten and 1.7 to 2.2% thorium. The majority of welders prefer 2 % since the electrodes are easy to use, the sharpend end lasts much longer and arc starts are strong also there is a capacity for high current. Both are stable and are designed for DC welding on nonferrous materials. LANTHANATED: EWLa-1.5 (GOLD) DC This is a stable welding electrode that evenly disperses, it provides great arc starts, low burn-off rates and reignites readily like ceriated. Lanthanated 1.5 % electrodes have a 50 percent greater carrying capacity than the pure tungsten, and contain a minimum 97.8 % tungsten and 1.3 to 1.7 % lanthanum. It conducts similarly to thoriated and can replace it without major settings change. ZIRCONIATED: EWZr-1 (BROWN) DC This tungsten electrode contains a min of 99.1 % tungsten and 0.15 to 0.4 % zirconium. It produces a extremely stable arc and will resist spitting. With a high contamination resistants, its current is similar to thoriated tungsten electrodes.