Types of Welding Gas and What They’re Used For

Gas welding is a versatile process used in various sectors, including metalworking, shipbuilding, automotive, etc. Replacing the older stick welders, gas welding has become the best choice for industrial or domestic welding.

There are many welding gases to choose from, and it’s important to use the right gas for your application. Today we will discuss the different welding processes and which gas best suits each process.

Different Types Of Gas Welding

To start with the basics, gas welding uses the heat from burning fuel gases like CO2 for welding. When these gasses burn, they can reach temperatures around 3200°C (or 57,00°F). While this is cooler than using an arc welding machine, gas welding has many advantages.

The intense heat generated from these burning gases is used to bond two metal workpieces together. Gas welding is incredibly popular thanks to the ease of use, making it accessible to hobbyists, versatility and relatively low cost.

The three main types of gas welding are TIG, MAG and MIG.

TIG Welding

Tungsten Inert Gas (or TIG) uses inert TIG welding shielding gas similar to MIG welding mentioned later. But unlike MIG welding, TIG has a non-consumable tungsten electrode which saves you from replacing it continuously. As a result, TIG welding leaves a high quality and clean finish and creates very little smoke and fumes.

At Adams Gas, we pride ourselves in our supply of 2L to 50L cylinders of inert argon welding gas as the premium choice as a shielding gas for TIG welders.

MAG welding

Metal Active Gas (MAG) uses active gas mixtures to create a shielding gas that works well with welding steel. Usually, these gasses are a mixture of argon, CO2 and oxygen.

MIG welding

Metal inert gas (or MIG) uses only inert MIG welding gas mixtures such as argon and helium for its shielding gas. This type of welding is used on aluminium and other non-ferrous metals. At Adams Gas, we specialise in MIG welding gas that includes a 5% to 20% mix of Argon/ CO2.

As you can see, each shielding gas has its purpose. The shielding gas essentially keeps the oxygen in the air from getting to the welding point. The make-up of the shielding mask has a significant effect on the welding process. The gas can affect arc stability, metal transfer, and spark spatter. It can even affect the mechanical properties of the joint where it was welded.

Inert and Reactive Gas

Two classifications come with welding gasses, Inert and Reactive. An inert gas will not form reactions with other chemical substances. This means it cannot create any chemical compounds that would create hazards for welding. Helium, argon and neon are all inert gases.

On the other hand, reactive gas can chemically combine with the material elements in the weld pool and change them both. Some reactive gases are nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and CO2.

Argon Gas

Argon is one of the most cost-effective and commonly used welding gases and is suitable for many different welding processes.

Argon gas has no colour or scent and is not toxic or flammable. Argon could cause asphyxiation if exposed to a vast amount of it in an enclosed space, but it has no ill effects in a ventilated area.

Argon gas is delivered around the welder’s tip to surround the arc. This protects the weld from any contamination that would make it uneven, spore it or bridle and ruin the weld.

CO2 Gas

CO2 gas bottles are also an easily attainable and cost-effective shielding gas. In addition, pure CO2 gives deep penetration when welding, making it excellent for thick materials.

Pure CO2 does create a less stable weld, though, so many companies will choose a CO2 argon mix to increase their weld quality. A 5% CO2, 95% argon mix will usually produce an effective, high-quality weld.

Oxyacetylene Welding Gas

Oxygen is a colourless and odourless gas that is not flammable but is used to support combustion. This isn’t simply the air we breathe; 100% pure oxygen gas bottles are considered a vital material in welding.

It can be blended with Acetylene gas for Oxyacetylene welding. It can give you a more controlled weld and a better finish when mixed correctly.

Before choosing, we recommend exploring our myriad of options online, including one of our favourite acetylene gas alternatives – Propylene.

International Bottle Gas Supplier

As a leading company in welding gas supply in the UK, we stand proudly behind our range of gas supply services. We are confident that we can be your next gas cylinder supplier with our catalogue of both MIG and TIG welding gases at very affordable prices.

To find out more about our range of welding gas and the other gas services we can provide, please get in touch with us online or call us on 0800 195 4445. Our expert and dedicated team are eager to discuss all your needs and find the perfect solution you need.