A Guide to MIG and TIG Shielding Gases
In metal fabrication, the quality of a weld is profoundly influenced by the choice of shielding gas. For industrial gas suppliers , understanding that the correct gas mixture is not merely a protective blanket but an active process parameter is crucial. The right blend safeguards the molten metal and directly controls penetration, bead profile, and the mechanical properties of the finished joint. This is especially true for MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, where selecting between pure argon, carbon dioxide, or custom blends is a decisive factor for success. The Fundamental Role of Shielding Gases Shielding gases serve two primary, interconnected purposes during welding. Their most critical job is to displace the atmospheric air surrounding the arc and weld pool. This prevents oxygen and nitrogen from contaminating the molten metal, which would otherwise lead to flaws like porosity, brittleness, and overall weakness. Secondly, the specific ...