What is the best tig welding machine for car service. Selection considerations for TIG welding inverters
Helpful information
TIG welding equipment
TIG argon arc welding (TIG) with tungsten electrodes is a combination of gas and electric arc welding. An electric arc is used to heat the metal, and an inert gas is needed to protect the welding zone from interaction with air. Argon is about 30% heavier than air, so it is ideal for this purpose.
Features of TIG welding
Argon-arc welding TIG positively differs from the usual. So, when it is performed, the appearance of slag in the weld metal is excluded. Such welding can be performed in any spatial position. The non-consumable tungsten electrode has another advantage: spattering of metal is eliminated, because there is no transfer of metal through the arc. The welding process itself is convenient and easy to control visually, and the resulting seams do not need to be processed. This connection method is applicable to almost any metals and alloys, including hard-to-weld, non-ferrous and dissimilar ones. The difficulty lies in the use of special equipment.
Argon arc plants
The abbreviation TIG is short for Tungsten Inert Gas. This expression translates as "Tungsten Inert Gas" - by the name of the main materials involved. In fact, this is manual arc welding with a non-consumable electrode in an inert gas environment. TIG welding machines use tungsten electrodes and argon shielding gas. Such devices can operate both on direct current (DC) and in a combined way (AC / DC). The former are more often used to work with steel, the latter - with any metals, including aluminum and its alloys.
A standard set of equipment for TIG welding in TIG mode includes a power source, an adjusting device for working with it, equipment for controlling the welding process, an inert gas cylinder and a gearbox, and consumables (electrodes and filler rods). In this case, special techniques can be used to increase productivity and expand the range of thicknesses of the parts to be welded. One of them is the impulse method. It provides reduction of deformation in the welding zone and penetration of metal in any position.
In the online store "Gorod Instrumenta" you can buy TIG welding machines (TIG) for manual argon-arc welding with a non-consumable electrode at a low price. We have a huge selection of such equipment. We offer to pay special attention to inverter devices. They are small in size and weight, which allows them to be used as mobile devices. TIG welding inverters are easy to use, have low energy consumption and allow you to get thin and neat seams. This is a reliable productive technique that can be used both in production and at home.
The TIG welding inverter is a machine that performs welding with non-consumable electrodes in an argon gas environment. Depending on what material it is planned to influence with its help, fundamentally different welding methods are distinguished. The equipment can produce direct electric current, the designation in this case will be with the prefix DC. This type of technique is designed to connect steel structural elements. An alternating current welder is used when working with aluminum alloys.
Scope of argon arc welding
The high quality of the resulting seam allows the welder to be used in various fields, primarily for solving the most important tasks, such as the manufacture of tanks designed for high-pressure liquids, or oil and gas pipelines. The welding machine ensures accurate execution of seams, as it eliminates spattering of metal. An additional advantage of such a unit is the ability to weld structural elements of small thickness. Also, in operation, a welding electric inverter using the TIG method is simpler than analogues, which means precisely controlling the parameters of the created arc.
We watch the video, the scope of argon welding and the technique of execution:
However, despite a number of advantages from the use of such an apparatus, there is also a minus, which, in fact, determines the purpose of such equipment. So, a welding electric inverter using the TIG method requires certain knowledge and experience for free operation.
Therefore, in everyday life it is not always easier and more efficient to use this type of equipment. But if you use a welding electric unit according to the TIG method as a means for performing a manual welding method, then the connection of the elements can be performed without the use of a cylinder, but by exposure to coated electrodes. Such an opportunity in everyday life is in great demand.
Overview of characteristics for a successful choice
Scheme of the welding machine
The welding electric inverter of the TIG method differs from other equipment of this type in that it produces a different kind of current at the output: direct or alternating.
Therefore, first of all, the welding electric inverter according to the TIG method should be selected based on this parameter. If DC is indicated in the designation, then we are talking about direct current used for welding ferrous metal.
If a TIG AC inverter welding machine is selected, then only aluminum alloys should be used as the material. There are also versions that combine both options - AC / DC. At the same time, the TIG inverter welding electric machine produces direct or alternating current, depending on the needs of the consumer. However, such executions will cost more, as they have a more complex scheme. The TIG welding machine must also be selected in accordance with the power and current strength. The higher the last of these characteristics, the better the melting of the metal.
We watch the video, features of the choice of the device:
The TIG welding inverter outputs a performance level corresponding to the current value: the higher this value, the more efficient the machine will be. Accordingly, such equipment can cope with almost any task. The TIG Inverter will provide an even higher quality joint when working with thin metal if the design includes a pulsing function.
As a nice bonus, the TIG welding inverter can be equipped with an oscillator, whose task is to support the possibility of non-contact arc ignition, which saves the user from having to do it himself.
By the way, the TIG inverter does not withstand constant attempts to strike an arc, which leads to poor results and shortened electrode life.
Popular manufacturers and models
The TIG inverter today is presented in different versions from various manufacturers. One of the leaders is the Brima brand. The range of models is represented by a large number of items, each of which differs in the level of performance and the values of electrical parameters. For example, the BRIMA TIG 180A welding inverter is designed to work with ferrous metal, respectively, this device produces direct current.
The BRIMA TIG welding inverter in this version operates with a current in the range from 20 to 180 A. The design provides for an oscillator, which allows you to connect metal with a thickness of 10 mm. The BRIMA TIG inverter welding machine provides a stable arc even if a cylinder with a mixture is connected.
The device allows switching the mode and switching to the MMA welding method. But it is not recommended to operate the BRIMA TIG welding electric inverter in this mode all the time, since this is only its option, and not the main functionality.
The power consumption is 3.2 kW, and the permissible load level for the BRIMA TIG welding electric inverter of this model at a maximum output current of 180 A corresponds to 60%. The cost of this option is around 15,000 rubles. A somewhat more functional device, an analogue from the same manufacturer - a TIG inverter in 200A version. The limit value of the operating current is 200 A. Otherwise, the values of the initial parameters are identical. The equipment in this version costs about 20,000 rubles.
Watch a video about model 165:
An alternative option to the device considered above is the Telwin Force welding inverter. One of the versions is the model 170 DC-LIFT VRD c. The device delivers a maximum current of 150 A, a minimum value of 140 A. The Telwin Force inverter welding machine withstands a load level corresponding to 60% at 150 A. The allowable electrode diameter is in the range from 1.6 to 4 mm. The welding inverter Telwin of this model has rather small weight that simplifies its transportation. In general, such a unit as a Telwin brand inverter welding machine is presented in a very wide range, which greatly simplifies the choice and expands the user's capabilities.
Imported or domestic device?
Many mistakenly believe that Russian devices are by default of low quality and low price. This is not so, because today the level of equipment offered to the domestic user is at a high level. Some models, for example, the Svarog TIG 200P inverter welding machine, cost twice as much as the imported counterpart.
The price of this option is within 30,000 rubles. Moreover, this version contains an order of magnitude more features than in such a device as Telwin electric inverter model 170 DC-LIFT VRD c.
When choosing, the user should be guided by a number of electrical parameters that characterize the level of efficiency of equipment such as a TIG inverter. And pay attention to the brand of the device should be secondarily, as well as the cost. After all, the main task that the inverter welding machine of the manufacturer Telwin and other analogues must perform is to ensure the high quality of the seam. It is quite possible to purchase an affordable unit, but as a result, the user will be disappointed with the result of the work. Accordingly, there is no fundamental difference whether a Telwin Force or Svarog welding inverter is purchased, the most important thing is the quality of the equipment, which you can first inquire about after studying the reviews.
Thus, if the choice is between a device such as a Telwin welding inverter or other analogue of domestic production, then the most important thing is to choose the right unit in terms of its level of performance, electrical characteristics.
Additionally, and in a much higher priority, the issue of ease of use is solved, which is ensured by how much the Telwin welding inverter or its equivalent weighs, as well as the dimensions of the device and the presence of a handle for transportation. The cost also should not be decisive, since as a result of the operation of cheap equipment, the user will be convinced of the veracity of the common expression: "the miser pays twice."
Tig welding (TIG) is most often used where the appearance of the weld is important or where the metals being welded are thin and precise control of the arc parameters is required. Argon arc welding allows you to weld aluminum, copper and other non-ferrous metals. Choosing an argon arc welding machine is quite simple if you know what criteria should be followed.
The TIG welding method using a tungsten electrode in an argon environment is a very precise welding method that allows you to get a clean, neat seam without metal spatter and without smoke. Argon arc welding is popular among car restorers, home craftsmen and is used by metal sculptors.
The TIG method welds thin stainless steel parts, chrome-molybdenum pipes, aluminum and copper parts. These materials require very precise control of the arc, as if overheated, the part will warp or burn through. TIG welding machines, which produce a stable arc at low amperage, are the best solution for such tasks.
TIG welding machines how to choose
When choosing an argon arc welding machine, the following criteria should be followed:
Current range
When choosing a TIG welding machine, the amperage range should be given special attention. The wider the operating current range, the better. A machine with a narrow range will greatly limit your ability to weld various materials. A welder with a range of 5 to 230 amps will weld stainless steel 0.6 mm thick and aluminum 6.3 mm thick.
Welding aluminum parts requires more work current than welding stainless steel. A welding machine with a 200 amp operating power range will limit your ability to weld aluminum sheets with a thickness of 3.2 to 4.8 millimeters. Thus, the wider the range of the operating current of the welding machine, the more different tasks it allows you to solve.
The smallest operating current
When choosing an argon arc welding machine, attention should also be paid to the stability of the arc at a current strength of less than 10 amperes. Ease of arc formation and good arc control depend on this. Welding with a tungsten electrode is often used to weld thin sheets of metal. In this case, it is better if the arc is formed without the use of high frequencies or a hot start.
Some welding machines are equipped with the function of facilitated arc formation - hot start. With a hot start, a higher current is applied to the electrode for a few milliseconds to start the arc. With a hot start, there is a risk of burning a hole if you are welding thin sheets. In addition, hot start does not guarantee the stability of the arc during the welding process and does not allow the welder to accurately control the arc.
The stability of the welding arc is important not only for the formation of the arc, but also for the quality of the welding process as a whole. For example, when repairing a propeller for a boat motor, you need to weld a gusset. In this case, it is very important not to burn a hole in the material and it is extremely inconvenient to work if the arc jumps all the time.
The stability of the welding arc is also important in completing the weld. In TIG welding, at the end of the weld, the amperage is usually reduced to fill the cavity at the end of the weld.
When welding aluminum, a large cavity at the end of the weld can cause cracks in the material as the part cools. Good control of the welding arc with a smooth decrease in the working current prevents the formation of a large cavity at the end of the weld and contributes to a smoother cooling of the weld pool (molten metal area). Some TIG welding machines are equipped with electronics that provide a stable start of the welding arc at low operating current and a smooth decrease in current at the end of the weld, both with AC and DC.
AC and DC welding current
If you plan to weld more than just steel and stainless steel, the welding machine must be able to weld both AC and DC. Alternating current is used when welding self-oxidizing metals such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. Direct current cook steel, stainless steel and copper.
When welding with alternating current, the current constantly changes from positive to negative. When aluminum is brewed, the surface of the metal is cleaned of oxides with a positive current, and melting is carried out with a negative current.
When choosing a TIG welding machine, pay attention to the ability to adjust the balance of positive and negative working current. This will allow you to change the welding time with a current of a certain polarity. In other words, this will allow you to control the deoxidizing time and the melting time. Not all devices on the consumer market allow you to control this parameter.
Ease of use
Argon arc welding requires a fairly high qualification of the welder. A good welding machine is easy to use and has clear controls. A wear-resistant, metal pedal for controlling the working current greatly facilitates the welding process and allows you to accurately increase or decrease the working current as needed. The amperage control pedal is a must-have accessory for aluminum welding. More amperes are needed to weld cold aluminum. However, aluminum heats up quite quickly during the welding process.
A foot pedal allows the amperage to be reduced as the aluminum heats up. This makes it possible to maintain a good speed of the electrode and allows you to get a quality weld with a constant profile. The pedal allows you to smoothly reduce the current at the end of the weld, which ensures the correct filling of the cavity at the end of the weld. There are also manual operating current regulators on the market. However, they are as convenient to use as a car without a gas pedal.
What else to pay attention to
TIG welding machines are equipped with fans for cooling. At the same time, the fan can work constantly or turn on according to the temperature sensor when the electronics heat up. A constantly running fan draws in dust and dirt, which shortens the life of the welding machine. In turn, the fan, which turns on when heated, changes the temperature of the internal environment of the device from hot to cold, which is also stressful for electronic components. Ideally, the fan should only cool the boards when absolutely necessary.
Some welding machines turn on the fan when the welding arc is formed and the fan runs for several minutes after the welding is completed. This reduces the amount of dust sucked in, as the fan turns on when needed. At the same time, such a system does not change the temperature inside the device much.
Replacement burner
Sometimes, in the process of welding with a tungsten electrode, it becomes necessary to change the torch to a lighter or longer torch for welding in a hard-to-reach place. Some welding machines are equipped with a non-replaceable torch. If the burner of such an apparatus has become unusable, it is necessary to contact a service center to replace it.
The TIG method is welding with a tungsten electrode in an inert gas environment, which, however, does not have any effect on the process. Gas protective function; argon is often used, which protects both the molten seam and the electrode in the burner from oxidation. In this case, the welding arc occurs between the workpiece and the non-consumable tungsten electrode.
In TIG welding, a welding consumable is not always necessary, since the joining of the workpieces can occur due to the fusion of the edges with each other. Unlike MIG/MAG welding, if filler material is used, it is fed into the weld by hand, not through a torch.
Argon: disadvantages and advantages
The most common shielding gas when using a TIG AC/DC welding inverter is argon. It has the advantages of sufficiently low price with good welding effect and arc ignition conditions. However, there are also disadvantages - this is poor thermal conductivity and, as a result, a high probability of uneven melting. Therefore, argon is often diluted by 5-25% with hydrogen, which increases the thermal conductivity and penetration depth.
TIG AC/DC
There are three main methods of TIG welding. These are DC TIG (using direct current), AC TIG (using alternating current), pulse method. However, universal machines can perform TIG AC / DC welding, that is, using direct or alternating current. This was made possible thanks to the TIG AC/DC inverter, with which the welding machine can operate on both direct and alternating current.
When TIG AC/DC welding is needed
The need to use TIG welding arises when the appearance of the weld is important. Therefore, there are usually high demands on the accuracy of the work.
TIG AC/DC welding has many applications, but the most important is the welding of pipes and pipelines. In addition, this method is used in the aircraft and aerospace industries, as well as in the production of sheet metal products. TIG welding works well with particularly thin materials and special materials such as titanium.
The abbreviation TIG stands for Tungsten (tungsten) Inert (inert) Gas (gas). That is, TIG welding means welding with tungsten electrodes in an inert gas environment. In this case, the metal (in the form of a rod) to fill the seam (if necessary) is fed with the second hand. Argon is more often used as an inert gas, it protects the metal, heated by an arc to a high temperature, from air gases - oxygen, nitrogen, water vapor. An inert gas is continuously supplied to the arc burning zone. It looks like this:
Helium is used less often, due to high cost and higher consumption (due to lower density). However, at the same current value, the arc in helium releases 1.5-2 times more energy than in argon. This contributes to a deeper penetration of the metal and significantly increases the welding speed. Therefore, when welding refractory metals, helium is preferred. A mixture of argon and helium (optimal composition contains 35-40% argon and 60-65% helium) has the advantages of both gases: argon provides arc stability, helium - a high degree of penetration.
Advantages
- TIG welding features a clean, neat and precise weld.
- TIG welding can weld more metals than any other welding method. Corrosion-resistant steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, bronze, etc. are welded with high quality.
- TIG welding allows for better control of the weld pool and the entire process, resulting in neat and precise welds. There are no sparks and splashes during the welding process (if everything is done correctly), because. filler metal is supplied without excess. There is no slag on the seam, and the air does not smoke, as when welding with coated electrodes.
Selection and sharpening of tungsten electrodes
Tungsten electrodes come in a variety of sizes and compositions.
As the name implies, tungsten electrodes are made from tungsten, which is 97-99.5% in them. In this case, depending on the conditions of use, various additives are used. Tungsten has a very high melting point (3380°C), the highest of the metals. Therefore, electrodes made from it are able to relatively successfully withstand the high temperature of the arc.
| Type of tungsten electrode, composition, marking | Characteristic |
| Tungsten electrodes without special additives Tungsten not less than 99.5%, the rest is impurities WP (green) | Pure tungsten is characterized by a very high energy required for the release of an electron from an atom, as a result of which it is more difficult to strike an arc than with doped electrodes. In addition, due to the high electron output energy, the temperature at the tip is higher, resulting in a short electrode life. These electrodes are only used for AC welding, however better not to use them at all.. |
| Thorium oxide doped tungsten electrodes WT-20* (red) | For a long time, thoriated electrodes were the most commonly used and therefore have become the standard used to compare other tungsten electrodes. However, since thorium is radioactive, many users switched to other alternatives (when they became available). Thorium is not harmful to health when in the electrode, but the dust generated during sharpening is dangerous, which can get into the lungs or open wounds. Thorium is also released into the air during welding, but in a much smaller amount. Therefore, precautions should be taken when sharpening and welding. Despite these problems, thoriated electrodes are still commonly used. They have a low electron output energy, and most importantly, work well with current overload. These electrodes are used for DC welding and should not be used with AC. |
| Tungsten electrodes doped with cerium oxide WC-20* (grey) | These electrodes are especially good for low amperage DC welding because they very easy to ignite the arc and, as a rule, cannot operate at the same high currents as thoriated electrodes. Good for short welding cycles. In particular, they are widely used for welding very small parts. Used for DC welding and should not be used with AC. |
| Tungsten electrodes doped with lanthanum oxide 1.8-2.2 La 2 O 3 WL-20* (blue) | They have low electron output energy and the lowest temperature at the tip, which helps to increase the service life. If the electrode is not overloaded with current, it can last longer than the thoriated electrode.. But it cannot work at the same high currents as a thoriated electrode. Used for DC welding and will also perform well with AC. |
| Tungsten electrodes doped with zirconium oxide WZ-8 (white) | This material is the most commonly used in AC welding, because it has a more stable arc than pure tungsten. Well interfere with pollution of a bathtub at alternating current. Under no circumstances are they recommended for DC welding. |
| Tungsten electrodes doped with yttrium oxide 1.8-2.2% Y 2 O 3 WY-20* (dark blue) | Withstand high currents without contaminating the weld metal with tungsten. Are used for welding of especially critical connections by a direct current. |
| Other options | There are other, less common electrodes, for example, with a mixture of various oxides. |
* - the number in the marking indicates the concentration of oxide, and there are electrodes with lower concentrations, for example WL-15 (golden), containing about 1.5% lanthanum oxide. They also have a different color code.
Even if two electrodes are of the same type and have the same dopant concentration, but are produced by different companies, they can differ markedly in performance. Of great importance is the grain size, structure and distribution of the oxide. Therefore, choose the manufacturer carefully.
Choice of electrode diameter:
Of great importance is the sharpening of the electrode, and over time, the electrodes are deformed and sharpening needs to be updated. When welding with direct current, a cone-shaped sharpening is used, with alternating current, a rounded tip is made.
The length of the sharpening affects the depth and width of the seam during welding, its size is about 2-0.5 of the electrode diameter. The width of the penetration zone decreases with an increase in the length of the sharpening, and with a small length of the sharpening, the penetration depth noticeably decreases. The stability of the arc is also affected by the risks formed during sharpening. For stable arcing, the risks must be located strictly along the axis of the electrode, and their value must be minimal. The best option is to polish the electrode after it has been sharpened. Also, arc burning is affected by blunting at the tip. The blunting diameter is selected depending on the diameter of the electrode and the magnitude of the welding current.
Performing TIG welding
Immediately before welding, the surfaces to be welded are cleaned from dirt, rust and surface oxide film, to a shine. Then degreased with acetone, white spirit or other solvent.
Most metals are welded with direct current of direct polarity (minus on the electrode). Welding of aluminum and its alloys, magnesium, copper alloys with a significant content of aluminum (for example, aluminum bronze) is performed with alternating current.
The welding current is selected according to the electrode diameter. The magnitude of the current also depends on the type of current. The table shows approximate current values (when using argon), the last word is up to the manufacturer of the selected electrode. If you focus on the lower limit, then if the current strength is too low, the arc will wander, and you just need to increase the current strength (provided that the electrode is properly sharpened).
| Electrode diameter, mm | Direct current of direct polarity, A | Alternating current, A |
| 1 | 10-70 | 10-15 |
| 1,6 | 40-130 | 30-90 |
| 2 | 65-160 | 50-100 |
| 3 | 140-180 | 100-160 |
| 4 | 250-340 | 140-220 |
| 5 | 300-400 | 200-280 |
| 6 | 350-450 | 250-300 |
If the current strength is excessive for a given electrode diameter, the electrode will melt. If too small, the arc will be unstable.
The voltage across the arc depends on its length. It is recommended to weld on the shortest possible arc, which corresponds to the reduced voltage on it. With an increase in length, the width of the seam increases, the depth of penetration decreases and the protection of the welding zone deteriorates. The optimal arc length is 1.5-3 mm, which corresponds to the voltage on the arc 11-14V (open circuit voltage is about 50-70V).
Departure of the tip of the electrode when welding butt joints should be 3-5 mm, and angular and tee 5-8 mm.
The outflow of gas over the entire cross section of the nozzle must be uniform. To do this, gas lenses are installed inside the burner, which maintain a laminar flow. In case of wind or draft, the effectiveness of protection is determined by the hardness of the gas jet and its size.
The rigidity of the jet depends on the gas (argon, helium, their mixture) and increases with increasing velocity of its outflow. Therefore, with an increase in the nozzle diameter, it is necessary to simultaneously increase the gas flow rate. For better protection when welding in windy conditions and at higher speeds, it is recommended to increase the gas flow and nozzle diameter, and move the torch closer to the part. To protect from the wind, the welding zone is covered with small-sized screens. The gas supply is turned off after 10-15s (approximately one second for every 10A of welding current) after the arc breaks. For better protection of the metal, for example, when welding titanium, special devices are used (see article Welding Devices).
There are two ways to ignite the arc: non-contact (the arc is ignited using a high-frequency and high-voltage discharge created by the oscillator) and contact (the arc between the electrode and the workpiece occurs as a result of a short circuit of the electrode to the workpiece). The non-contact method of arc ignition is used when surface burns and tungsten ingress into the seam are unacceptable, for example, when welding high-alloy corrosion-resistant steels and alloys (tungsten can impair the corrosion resistance of steel). The contact method is used when welding low-responsibility structures, when quality requirements are less stringent. However, when welding critical metal structures in the absence of an oscillator, contact ignition of the arc and access to the welding mode can be performed on a carbon or copper plate. Modern devices greatly limit the short-circuit current when the electrode touches the product, and when the electrode is raised, the microcontroller provides a smooth increase in current.
When welding, only one movement is made - along the axis of the seam. The absence of transverse vibrations leads to the fact that the seam is narrower.
To ensure that the weld metal is not saturated with oxygen or nitrogen from the air, it is necessary to ensure that the end of the filler rod is constantly in the shielding gas zone. To avoid spattering of metal, the end of the bar is fed into the weld pool smoothly. The degree of penetration is judged by the shape of the bath of molten metal. A good penetration corresponds to a pool stretched in the direction of welding, and a bad one is round or oval.
Welding is usually done from right to left. When welding without filler material, the electrode is placed perpendicular to the surface of the metal being welded, and with filler material - at an angle. The filler rod is moved in front of the burner without transverse vibrations.
When surfacing horizontal weld beads in the lower position, the filler rod is given two directions of movement: down and forward along the welded edges. This must be done in such a way that the metal enters the weld pool in uniform portions.
Errors in TIG welding
Some of the common problems encountered in TIG welding are discussed below.| Possible reason | Remedy |
| Fast burning tungsten electrode | |
| Insufficient gas flow. | Make sure that there are no obstructions in the gas supply system and that there is gas in the cylinder. The gas flow should generally be around 15-20 CFH (7-10 l/min). |
| The electrode is connected to positive. | Connect the electrode to negative. |
| Incorrect diameter selected for current used. | Use an electrode with a larger diameter or reduce the current. |
| Tungsten oxidizes during welding pauses. | |
| An electrode without additives is used. | For example, when welding with AC, use the WL-20 instead of the WP electrode. |
| Seam contamination with tungsten | |
| The electrode melts into the weld pool. | Use a doped electrode instead of the WP electrode. |
| The electrode touches the weld pool. | Hold the electrode up. |
| Poor color seam or porous | |
| There was condensation on the metal being welded. | If the metal was stored in the cold and was brought into a warm room for welding, condensation may form on it. It needs to be removed. Water at high temperature decomposes into hydrogen and oxygen, which interact with the metal. |
| Loose hose or burner connection, defective hose. | Tighten hose and burner connections. Check hose for cuts. |
| Insufficient gas flow. | Adjust gas flow. The gas flow should generally be around 15-20 CFH (7-10 l/min). |
| Contaminated or unsuitable filler material. | Check type of filler metal. Remove grease, oils and moisture from filler metal. |
| Contamination of the metal to be welded. | |
| Yellow smoke or dust on the surface of the nozzle, the electrode changes color | |
| Very low gas consumption. | Increase gas consumption. The gas flow should generally be around 15-20 CFH (7-10 l/min). |
| The gas is switched off too soon after the arc is extinguished. | The gas must enter the torch within 10-15 seconds after the arc is extinguished (approximately one second for every 10A of welding current). |
| Unstable arc | |
| Incorrect polarity (with direct current). | Check polarity. The electrode must be connected to negative. |
| The tungsten electrode is dirty. | Remove contamination and regrind the electrode. |
| Arc too long. | Shorten arc length. |
| The weld metal is contaminated. | Remove paint, grease, oils and other dirt, including surface film of metal oxide. |
| Incorrectly prepared electrode. | For DC welding, the electrode is sharpened in the form of a cone and blunted. For welding with alternating current, a rounding is made. |
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