Argon is one of the most widely used shielding gases in welding because it is an inert gas that can effectively protect the molten pool from air pollution.
Simply put, the vast majority of common metals and alloys can be welded using argon gas, especially the TIG welding method.
Below, we will provide a detailed explanation by metal category and point out the key points and exceptions.
Core Summary: Argon is a “universal base material”
You can understand argon gas as the “universal base material” for welding gas. It is suitable for almost all metals, but is often mixed with other gases to optimize certain properties such as increasing penetration and improving weld wetting.
Classification Explanation
1. Metal that is highly suitable for welding with pure argon gas (preferred gas)
These metals are chemically active and highly sensitive to oxygen and nitrogen, requiring the use of pure inert gases (such as argon) for protection.
stainless steel
Process: TIG welding (preferred) and MIG welding.
Explanation: Using pure argon TIG welding can obtain high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and corrosion-resistant welds. For MIG welding, in order to improve process performance, sometimes a rich argon gas mixture (such as Ar+1-2% O ₂ or Ar+2-5% CO ₂) is used, but the base is still argon gas.
aluminum alloy
Process: TIG welding (AC) and MIG welding.
Explanation: Pure argon gas must be used for welding aluminum alloys. Argon gas is crucial for breaking the oxide film on the surface of aluminum alloy (AC TIG welding) and ensuring the quality of the weld seam. For thick aluminum plates, Ar+He (helium) mixture is sometimes used to increase heat input.
Titanium and titanium alloys
Process: TIG welding and MIG welding.
Explanation: Titanium alloys are extremely sensitive to air at high temperatures and require the use of high-purity pure argon gas, as well as additional measures such as drag protection, to ensure that the back of the weld and the high-temperature area are fully protected.
magnesium alloy
Process: TIG welding, MIG welding.
Explanation: Magnesium is more reactive than aluminum and must be welded with pure argon gas to prevent severe oxidation and combustion.
Nickel and nickel alloys (such as Inconel, Monel)
Process: TIG welding (preferred), MIG welding.
Explanation: These high-temperature alloys are sensitive to pollution, and pure argon gas is the standard protective gas.
Copper and copper alloys (such as purple copper, bronze)
Process: TIG welding, MIG welding.
Explanation: Pure argon gas is very suitable for welding copper, especially TIG welding. For pure copper with high thermal conductivity, an Ar+He mixture may be used to increase heat input.
2. Argon gas can be used, but usually a mixed gas is used to achieve better metal performance
Carbon steel and low-alloy steel
Process: TIG welding, MIG/MAG welding.
Instructions:
TIG welding: Using pure argon gas is completely feasible and commonly used, which can obtain high-quality welds.MIG/MAG welding: If pure argon gas is used, problems such as unstable arc, poor penetration, and unsightly weld formation (poor wettability) may occur. Therefore, the most commonly used gas mixture for welding carbon steel is argon gas, such as Ar+15-20% CO ₂, which achieves the best balance between cost, spatter, melt depth, and stability.
Conclusion:
Almost all commonly used metal materials can be welded with argon gas, especially through TIG welding method. Argon gas is the cornerstone of high-quality welding, especially for oxidation sensitive metals. For MIG/MAG welding of carbon steel, although pure argon gas is not effective, argon gas is still the main component in the mixed gas (accounting for about 80%).
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