Characteristics of High-Quality Shielding Gas

Metal fabricators strive to produce high-quality welds since it determines the structural integrity of products. It is the reason why most fabricators prefer MIG welding because the shielding gases used prevent weld pooling. However, different shielding gases are available to welders, but choosing the right gas or gas combination can be overwhelming, especially to rookies. That said, shielding gases have unique characteristics that make them suitable for specific welding jobs. This article highlights these qualities and how they affect MIG welding. Read on.

Spatter 

According to metal fabricators, aesthetics is a significant part of quality welding. However, since spatter is a common by-product of welding, the type of shielding gases you choose determines the amount of spatter produced and the overall aesthetics of a product. Therefore, rookie welders should avoid gases that have a lot of spatter because the cleanup takes time and increases the cost of production. For instance, carbon is the cheapest shielding gas available, and it is known to produce a lot of spatter, which makes it the gas of choice for low-cost projects where aesthetics are not a priority. On the other hand, an argon-carbon dioxide mixture produces less spatter, making it suitable for high-quality projects.

Metal Penetration 

Another area you should look at when choosing a shielding gas is metal penetration. Is the thermal conductivity high enough to penetrate deep into metal and produce a strong bond? The consideration is crucial, especially for welding projects that need a tight bond. For example, carbon monoxide has excellent deep metal penetration qualities. Therefore, welders prefer to use it on thick metals sheets because the gas produces a strong bond without damaging products. In contrast, shielding gases with low thermal conductivity are suitable for thin metal sheets where a welder wants the same level of strength and quality. Argon is an excellent example of shielding gas with superficial penetration; therefore, it is used for welding thin metal sheets such as aluminium and magnesium.

Welding Speed 

Newbie fabricators are often encouraged to go slow when welding to produce high-quality joints. However, slow welding affects productivity, especially in a busy fabrication shop. Therefore, rookie welders should choose shielding gases that enhance fast welding without compromising on quality. A mixture of helium and argon is excellent in this regard due to its characteristic high flow rate. Although helium is expensive, the cost is offset through increased productivity and high-quality welds.

To learn more, reach out to a local welder.

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