So what are some of the applications for GTAW?

Obviously, this process is used for a wide variety of applications where the parts are made out of non-ferrous metals. Maintenance and repair is done by both manual and automatic methods of Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. From stainless to titanium, aluminum, inconel, monel, cobalt, magnesium, hastalloy, you name it, and it can probably be welded with TIG. It is appropriate for welding of pipe and tubing in all positions. The excellent control of heat input gives maximum penetration while preventing melt-through on the root (first) pass. A lot of times a procedure is used where the root pass is welded with the GTAW process and then completed with Shielded Metal Arc Welding, Gas Metal Arc Welding, or flux Cored Arc Welding. This is used to obtain a high quality, low-cost weld. Consumable inserts are sometimes used in critical service applications. These inserts reduce porosity when alloyed with deoxidizers, improve the contour of the underside of the weld, and minimize cracking in the weld. On thin pipewall (depending on the base metal), complete fusion is obtained without the use of filler metal. Filler metal, is used with thicker sections in order to fill the joint. Pulsed current may also be used.

Automatic circumferential or orbital Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is also used to weld pipe and tube.

Power piping, Air piping, Refrigeration piping, Chemical industry process piping, and Nuclear power piping are some of the different industries that apply the Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process for welding pipe and tubing. Vacuum jacketed piping and pressure piping are a couple of cases where critical welding is required.

Nuclear Power Facilities:

Critical welding in the construction and repair of nuclear power facilities is required. Both manual and automatic methods are employed for many nuclear applications because of their precise control of the welding.

Pressure Vessels, Boilers, and Heat Exchangers:

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding has a wide range of applications in the pipe and tube industry for the welding of pressure vessels, boilers, and heat exchangers. It is employed where full fusion welding is made from one side, without the use of permanent backing rings, and on girth butt welds with a smooth internal contour. Adequate mechanical strength and corrosion resistance for a particular service encountered can be obtained by choosing the correct filler metal and welding conditions.

Aerospace:

The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process is the major welding process used in the aerospace industry. Aircraft, spacecraft, and launch vehicles are a few of what's included in this industry. Some of the metals welded include aluminum, nickel, stainless steel, magnesium, and super alloys. Both the manual and automatic methods are employed in this industry. Pulsed current is also used extensively in this industry. Just about all critical welds made in this industry are done by TIG and a highly skilled welder.

Ships:

The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process is applied in the ship-building industry because different materials like aluminum, molybdenum, and stainless steel are used. There is a lot of applications in this industry for the welding of stainless steel and aluminum.

Transportation:

The Gas Tungsten Arc Welding process is used somewhat in the automotive and railroad industries. It is used mainly for the welding of non-ferrous metals, maintenance, and for small components. Fabrication of aluminum fuel tanks is one application used in this industry.

In the railroad industry, several of the interior components are made of aluminum, stainless steel, monel, and copper are sometimes welded by this process. Some maintenance and repair of passenger trains is also performed.

Another area of use for this process is contractor work. If you have the equipment and skill you can charge anywhere from $35 - $125 per hour. I know a person who's company charges $95 per hour for TIG aluminum jobs and he gets it. If you don't have the equipment, you could always try to go to work for a contractor. TIG welding is a very rewarding profession, and they always need skilled welders.

So my advice to you is, if you want to be a TIG welder, get some training ( I recommend The Hobart Institute of Welding Technology in Troy, Ohio ) They're the best! Maybe, if you could afford it, get a certification in GTAW while you go to school there. Apply yourself, and learn as much as you can. Then be aggressive, and go out there and get a job in the TIG welding industry. Make sure to keep your attendance perfect, if possible. Employers want you to come to work and be on time. If you do this you'll be on your way to an interesting and fun career that is rewarding.

Jennifer Jenkins