Choosing a TIG welder
What is TIG welding?
TIG welding, formally known as Tungsten Inert Gas welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding, uses a non consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld. This fabrication method compels an arc between the base metal and the electrode, producing a high quality weld. It is used to join two materials together, like stainless steel or aluminium and melt them together.
Key considerations when buying a TIG welder
- What are your budget constraints?
- Do you require portability?
- What is the thickness of the material you are welding?
- What type of material are you welding? It’s DC for mild steel & stainless and AC for aluminium.
- What power input do you have available? 110, 240 or 415 volts
- Does the machine have a Pulse facility?
- Has the welder got an easy to use interface? Setting up for different materials & processes made easy.
- Does the machine have lift TIG or HF starting?
- Do you need a foot switch?
- Do you need water cooling? The amount of Aluminium welding in daily production dictates.
Material Choice
DC & AC/DC current choices
The material that you are welding will play a factor in the choice of TIG welders available. If you are welding aluminium you would need to purchase an AC/DC TIG machine, as DC only TIG welders will not weld aluminium. AC/DC options, are slightly higher end on the pricing spectrum. You don’t want to rule out the choice to weld more materials, so purchasing a machine that can weld more materials may be a wise option.
Material Thickness
Assessing the amperage you need & water cooling
You need to consider the amperage you require from a machine, if you are welding thicker materials, you’ll obviously need a higher amperage machine. Work on 35 amps per mm to be welded & remember to consider the duty cycle of the machine, according to the amount of work you’re performing. Aluminium welding generates more heat & at high amperage, will definitely require water cooling.
Pulse TIG welding
Higher speeds
Pulse TIG offers better a weld as reduced heat input and control over the weld puddle, offers reduced spatter and penetration. With faster travel speeds & the ability to weld thin materials comfortably, the advantages are endless.
Easy to use interface
Simple set up & Memory buttons
A colour screen & graphical guides for setting your welding parameters is essential. Most TIG sets have heavy duty push button operation buttons with intuitive controls and direct access to all the main functions. A memory feature for storing all your favourite tasks should be a standard feature.
Scratch & Lift Arc start against high Frequency
Arc Ignition methods
With high frequency the arc ignition starts when the operator touches the tungsten to the work. This method is generally used by professionals and is regarded as the most advanced & costly. It requires less skill than Lift Arc, but Lift-Arc is still user friendly and relies on the operator touching the work piece then lifting off to start the arc. Scratch start can be tricky to initiate and result in the tungsten getting stuck in the job and is not widely seen on most TIG sets these days.
Input voltage and electrical supply
One of the more important aspects to look at is the electrical supply you have available to you; this supply will determine the machine you purchase. If you are running 110volts, make sure you have enough power to translate into output. Inverter based three phase TIG machines will need 32 amps, make sure you have it.
Warranty features
As a standard most welding machines come with a warranty period, some maybe longer than others. We would consider a 3-year warranty as a minimum requirement & as an indication of build quality.
Welding Gas
Unsure on which gas to use for TIG welding? For TIG, only inert gases are allowed, as reactive gases will ruin your work piece. The preferred shielding gases are dependent on the material and intended use. Pure Argon is the desirable choice as it can be applied to various material types, it is generally more affordable and helps provide a consistent arc. Pure helium, allows TIG welding at higher voltage settings, reducing welding time, but this is generally more expensive. You can have a mix of both shielding gases, producing higher heat inputs, whilst maintaining a consistent arc. Hydrogen can also be used, but primarily when TIG welding stainless steel.
Why buy your TIG from Foster Industrial ?
- We are an experienced technical organisation with an engineering team invested in supporting all plant sales.
- We stock an array of TIG welding supplies. From TIG welding wires, torches, accessories/consumables, weld cleaning products and PPE, we offer quality TIG welding supplies to compliment your machine.
- Deciding on the right TIG welder, can be overwhelming, especially with the realm of choices on the market. Call us for more information or to arrange an onsite equipment demonstration.
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