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Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) can present problems that compromise the quality and strength of the finished weld if not corrected. Knowing how to address these issues upfront can reduce the time and costs of troubleshooting, and minimize rework.
Choosing the right equipment and consumables and following some key best practices in setup and weld preparation can also ensure you get the job done properly. Consider these six tips to maximize your success and help you become a better GTAW welder.
1. Know the Material
As with most welding processes, one of the first factors you should consider is the type of material you are welding and its characteristics. It is also critical to know the service conditions the finished weld will encounter.
These factors influence the type of filler metal that is best-suited for the application. For example, if you’ll need to anodize the material after welding it or if the finished product must pass requirements for structural integrity, choose a filler metal capable of providing specific mechanical and chemical properties to support those needs. This factor is even more critical when welding materials like aluminum and stainless steel because of their propensity to distort or crack. Additionally, some materials may require preheat or postweld heat treatment, which can also impact filler metal selection.
When performing GTAW on materials like aluminum, always determine which alloys you are welding in order to choose the right filler metal. Filler metal manufacturers typically offer charts or other tools that provide cross references to most alloys produced today. Such charts also offer suggestions on filler metals based on expected use of the finished product.
