What is TIG welding?

TIG welding is a type of electric arc welding, just like MIG/MAG welding. Electric arc welding is a welding process that can achieve a very high quality of workmanship. However, the welder’s expertise and skill are very important. TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas and is also known as GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). Tungsten is the English term for the Dutch word wolfraam.

TIG welding is primarily used for thin aluminium, stainless steel and steel sheet. In addition, the TIG welding process is particularly suitable for applying primer layers.

TIG Welding Process

This is a welding process in which heat is generated by striking an electric plasma arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. At the same time, a wire is fed close to the weld pool, serving as filler material. An inert shielding gas is supplied through the gas nozzle to protect the weld pool from external influences.

TIG welding requires considerable skill from the welder, as it often involves working with both hands. One is used to feed in the filler wire, while the other holds the welding torch. A good alternative to TIG welding is MIG welding, which also uses inert gas, as the wire is fed automatically and simultaneously serves as the electrode.