TIG welding is useful a lot to join metals in particular steel by properly heating them with an arc in between the electrode and the base metal. The filler metal may be used along with the shielding gas. The main variables in this welding are welding current, arc voltage, shielding gas composition, and travel speed. 

How TIG Welding on Steel Works?

Tig welding is most likely the most versatile kind of welding, which enables you to weld several forms of metals than any other kind of welding. The tig welding process can be generally utilized to weld aluminum, steel, brass, copper, bronze, gold, nickel alloy and stainless steel, and more. In order to learn how to tig weld, first of all, you want to set up a machine and its connected parts such as torch and gas plus have on hand a filler rod for whatever metal you will be like to weld. 

What Parameters Are Important?

A successful welding operation depends upon a good combination of the parameter settings as well as choices. Different knowledge-based factors play an important role in parameter selection and equipment setup. Some of these important parameters are the base material, material thickness, joint type, and welding position. 

How to Create Great Beads on Steel

The fundamental process of laying a bead is so simple. You are attempting to create a tiny zig-zag with a tip of the rod. By making small concentric circles moving along the path of the seam. Initially, you can begin laying beads on an inch or two inches long. There is a risk that the area around the seam will heat up and become compromised or warped. So, it is good to perform a small weld on a single place and then move to another. 

Suggested Electrodes

If you are planning to weld aluminum materials, surely you must select a tungsten electrode. Apart from these, there are other forms of tungsten electrodes available that include a thoriated form that is fundamentally dangerous. Presently, making an electrode means to assure a tip is circular shaped and otherwise, you have to drudge it before using. The topmost recommendation is using a ball-shaped tip and a pointed tip for welding over AC and DC power respectively. 

What Polarity Should I Use When I TIG Weld on Steel?

Polarity is one of the most essential elements that control the quality of welded joints. With a wrong selection of polarity, you can obtain more bad penetration, spatter and also lose the control of your welding arc. There are three forms of polarity available such as:

A polarity is ultimately essential in tig welding on steel; because selecting a perfect polarity is what affects the quality and strength of a weld. 

Direct Current Straight Polarity

This happens, when the electrode is ended negative and plates are positive. In the end, the electrons flow from the electrode tip to base plates.

Direct Current Reverse Polarity

This happens, when the electrode is ended positive and plates are negative. Then, the electrons flow in the reverse direction from base plates to the electrode.

Alternating Current Polarity

If the power source gives an AC current then both direct and reverse polarity will happen one after another in every cycle. For half a cycle, the electrode will be negative and thus base plates are positive. In another half, base plates will be negative and the electrode will be positive. Hence, the number of cycles that occur within a few seconds based on the frequency of the supply.

What Pulse Can I Use on Steel?

Pulse TIG welding is usually used to weld thin sections of the stainless steel material and non-ferrous metals. This method is not limited to them since it is used on other materials such as copper alloys, magnesium, and aluminum.

Amperage of TIG Welding on Steel

To start tig welding, the machines are specially made to yield constant amperage at whole times. This means when you set a machine, it is setting in terms of amperage settings. This amperage productivity while welding hardly modifies. This change is a voltage based on the length of an arc. Also, this arc is how the voltage is measured. The voltage will advance, when the arc length is enlarged and also the voltage will be lessening at the same time, when the arc is reduced. Eventually, this power supply will always remain consistent in an amperage setting. Welding ¼ inch steel in the single-pass needs approximately 180 amps. A series of thin passes can be created to weld thicker material per pass with less than usual amperage needed. Do not forget that multiple passes need maximum time.

When it comes to tig welding on steel highly thin sheet metal, you might need to consider switching over to direct current electrode positive. This would place more heat onto a tungsten electrode and also keep an arc from burning up sheet metal. In the case of a direct current electrode, you need to weld by using a low amperage setting and the tungsten will burn up as well. Also, there is a case that you would require to set a machine to direct current electrode, which is to shape tungsten into the ball end. Hence, the direct current electrode will begin to melt the tungsten as soon as possible in such a setting. That is why; the tig welding is used to make the ball-shaped tungsten ends. 

TIG Welding on Steel Gas Selection

The purpose of gas is used in a wide array of unique ways in the welding process. These normally include protecting an arc from contaminants such as dust, air, and other gases as well as keep the welds tidy on a base of a layer just conflicting the arc and then heating a metal. Also, the blanketing gases can be used to safeguard the metal after a welding process. Here are the lists of gases commonly used for each welding type that described below:

• Reactive and inert gases

• Purging gas

• Shielding gas

• Blanketing gas

• Heating gas

However, the gases are an important segment of each welder’s job. Even some gases are good in vast applications such as pure argon for many tig welding steel projects as well as a combination of CO2 and argon for several MIG welding jobs. The gas that most welders use for TIG weld on steel is Argon.

Is Helium a Good Option?

Helium is a good option for the successful TIG welding of material carbon steel. This non-reactive process produces clean welds. Helium is hotter than argon as it transmits the arc’s heat better than argon.

Is co2 a Good Option?

No, CO2 is not used for the TIG welding as it is a gas including oxygen which would end in oxidation and bad weld.  So, please don’t use carbon dioxide.

Can I TIG Weld With 75% Argon & 25% co2 on Steel?

Co2 is an active gas and causing oxidation when it is around electrode tungsten in the TIG welder. TIG welding requires pure argon for protecting the electrode. So, using an Argon CO2 mix on steel while performing a TIG Weld is a bad idea.

How to TIG Weld Mild Steel?

Basically, mild steel is the steel alloy, which has a lesser percentage of carbon, i.e. 0.3 percent or less than that. For this specific reason, mild steel is also known as low carbon steel. It is ultimately common in fabrication because it is a very cheaper one than compared with any other alloys and also very simple to weld as well. Usually, the mild steel can be welded by using tungsten inert gas welding procedures and their outcome is very tidy as well as an accurate weld.

Typically, mild steel provides many advantages. From simple weldability to capability to curve and mildew a material, are some of the advantages that make mild steel popular material for many welders. With the several options of mild steel available, you have to decide which filler metal is a perfect option for your particular application. The great features of mild steel may vary by material type. However, it is commonly known that mild steels have less strength in comparison with low-allow steels.

Generally, mild steel provides the best weldability and a lack of extra elements that are added to it. Due to this fact, mild steel is a cheap option for creating durable structures. The mild steel is an initial metal that the new welder sequences in due to its simple welding, but the tig welding process needs more finesse and concentration than the oxy-acetylene torch welding or metal inert gas welding. Before welding mild steel, the entire workpieces and the welding rod should be very fresh and the particulates can decline weld quality.

How to TIG Weld Cast Iron/Steel? 

The cast iron is quite complex but possible to weld. In many cases, the welding on cast iron includes repairs to castings and not combining casting to other participants. This cast iron greatly assists in understanding the welding challenges. Normally, it has a carbon content of 2% to 4% hardly ten times as much as many steels. When it comes to welding cast iron steel, below are four simple steps must be taken out before obtaining started:

• Predict an alloy
• Clean the casting carefully
• Choose the pre-heat temperature
• Choose a suitable welding procedure 

Before you start the welding process, you should choose a perfect polarity based on the fillers, needs, a base material, and an electrode type. However, the parameters generally affected by tig polarity are including:

• Filler deposition
• Base plate cleaning
• Weld penetration 
• Weld bead look
• Reinforcement
• Heat affected zone

TIG Welding On Stainless Steel 

The stainless steel welding process normally differs based on the thickness. The finished product characteristics are an important factor to consider before performing the weld. Actually, there are numerous procedures for welding stainless steel, which are commonly used by all welders. Therefore, you have to select the best method for welding stainless steel that actually based on what qualities you are searching for.  Below are some of the common methods for welding stainless steel that includes:

• Tig welding or gas tungsten arc
• Mig welding or gas metal AC welding
• Resistance or spot welding

When it comes to TIG Welding and stainless steel there are a few recommendations that I can offer you. Like in TIG welding on normal steel it’s all about balancing travel speed with amperage. Ideally, you want to place the electrode close to the puddle and have high travel speed. You don’t want a lot of discoloration or to have a large heat-affected zone. As long as you have high travel speed, using a lot of amps will not transmit too much heat to the welding area. So, if you are not so sure that you can weld fast enough I would suggest lowering the amps.

I always suggest making test welds before you make the connection that you want because the size of the weld plays an important role. Start at around 100 amps and calibrate accordingly by altering the factors that we discussed in the previous paragraph.

How to TIG Weld Hardened Steel?

Another essential thing to consider while performing TIG welding on hardened steel is to assure that the electrode has been placed a little bit distant from weld metal. Also, it does not even dash a weld metal, since it is not unlikely that molten metal might jump from the area.

Now, you just place some force on a pedal and also heat a weld metal as soon as possible. This will generate a weld pool on that specific field and also force a metal to obtain molten that is perfect for introducing a weld. You must also remember that you might not give too much heat to a weld metal, otherwise, it can shrink or bent after being cold. I would encourage you to practice a little before doing the real deal.

Once a weld pool is made, you can simply feed a rod within the weld pool while placing the electrodes towards it. Therefore, this process is highly appropriate for welding aluminum built materials. If a weld metal is to be melted, you can simply place some jamming on a weld paddle while equally if it appears to obtain burnt and also prevent jamming.

Clamp the pieces of the material together and make both sides of the welding area with suitable welding temperature crayons to leave marks on the metal which usually melt when they get different temperatures and useful to avoid overheating the material. Preheat the welding area by using a propane blow torch for a couple of minutes and prevent its crystalline structure from changes. Now, weld the hardened steel together along the metal seam through the welding machine and check the temperature of the metal before making several passes of the welding torch for creating a deep welding preparation. 

How to TIG Weld Rusty Steel 

TIG welding is preferred by welding professionals to avoid the common problem of the formation of rust on the weld site. It is a suitable time to explore how to use the TIG welder to weld rusty steel. TIG welding is more modern arc welding which includes proper use of the non-consumable tungsten electrode to fill as well as fuse metals. TIG welding provides so many benefits when compared to other welding methods. You can use this welding method to join metals by making them hot required for creating a bond. You can prefer this method mainly for welding thinner metals. 

How to TIG Weld Corten Steel

Corten steel is also known as the weathering steel and frequently used mainly because it is more durable than many types of steel. This material is very resistant to corrosion and it may last for many years. TIG-welded corten steel is mainly used in shipping containers, bridges, tanks, and other products. This material uses the weather to form the best protective outer layer to resist atmospheric corrosion as well as degradation. You can TIG weld both ASTM A242 and ASTM A588 CorTen steel material based on your requirements. Aesthetically unique nature of this material is commonly used in the transportation industry since it is a cheaper alternative to the stainless steel used in the railway sector. 

What’s the TIG Weldability of Zinc-Coated Steel?

You can weld on the zinc-coated steel, not in a confined area. If you use the corrosion-resistant weld metal and use a bronze deposit such as stainless steel electrode or a copper-zinc alloy, then you can get the best improvement in your way to weld this material. The main problem associated with the zinc material is it has the boiling point close to its melting point. An arc welding process usually vaporizes the zinc because the arc is hotter than flame-based processes. Specific precautions must be taken for performing this process on zinc-coated steel at any time. Keep in mind that the boiling point of the material zinc is below the steel’s melting point.

What Defects and Problems Occur on Steel

There are loads of problems and defects occur on the steel because of TIG welding. However, some of these problems are as follows.

• Poor gas coverage leads to stain 
• Welding aluminum by adjusting the balance or in the wrong polarity 
• Weld graininess
• Lack of fusion in the root
• Craters
• Dirty base and filler metal
• Poor color on stainless
• Sugaring on stainless steel
• Too much amperage on aluminum
• Proper arc length control 

How to Avoid Bubbles

If bubbles form in the TIG welding process, then there is a leak and you have to replace the overall defective components. You have to be conscious about loads of important things when you wish to avoid bubbles in your TIG weld. For example, you can take note of the voltage/arc length. 

Is Porosity a Big Issue?

Porosity in TIG welding takes place when the gas or contaminant is absorbed into the weld puddle. This weak and bubble-filled weld does not meet the standard and causes the project to weak in different aspects and collapse in the end. You must get it redone when you find the impurity in your weld. You can prevent porosity in TIG welding when you do the following things.

• Keep the material surface clean
• Check the gas flow
• Take a look at your equipment 
• Check your workspace conditions 

Tips for Tig Welding on Steel 

Primarily, tig welding is one kind of welding among the few options you may have that includes oxyacetylene, stick, MIG, etc. TIG welding can actually be utilized to weld titanium, copper, and even a couple of dissimilar metals, which are handy for creating tricky welds like welds on round things or s-curves, etc. Moreover, the tig can always produce the heat through an arc of electricity jumping from the electrode to metal surfaces, which you propose to weld that is normally steel or aluminum. 

Tig welding on steel is one of the most complex processes to study and also at the same time, it is the most versatile one when it comes to unique metals. This process is actually very slow, but when you have done it right, then it produces the top quality weld. Generally, the tig welding is majorly utilized for welding metals other than common steel, precarious weld joints, and also where the small and precise welds are required. 

Fundamentally, a tig welding is different for using the non-usable tungsten electrode to provide ample current for doing the welding job. Alternatively, this process is also called as gas tungsten arc welding. Still, using a filler metal is discretionary that depends upon whether the welding is autogenous or not. Apart from these, a protecting gas is used in tig welding to safeguard the complete process from environmental pollution.

Tig vs MIG Welding on Steel 

At present, tig welding is majorly utilized due to its ease and simplicity of application. Even though, this process is very much slower than any other processes such as MIG welding and also protected the metal arc welding. It actually enables the welder to have more suppleness and control over a complete tig welding process that consequence in a long sustainable and durable blending of that field. 

Even this tig welding provides a wide array of materials, which could be simply welded. Furthermore, tig welding has the ability to stop the corrosion of metal for a long time period, which builds it as a great option for this kind of work.

There are loads of differences between the TIG and MIG welding on material steel. However, the main difference is the way the arc is being used. In the MIG welding, welders use a feed wire which constantly moves via the gun for creating the spark required for melting the material and forming the weld. In TIG welding, welders use the long rods to fuse two metals together in a direct way. MIG can weld metals of thicker type faster than TIG weld. You can prefer and use the TIG welding option when your metal is thin. TIG welding is well compatible with metals like stainless steel, mild steel, and aluminum. 

How to Tig Weld a Steel Pipe

At present, the weld metal always requires to be made, if you need a perfect finishing after the weld. Also, you can make use of a brush that is built of wire for cleaning the surface of a metal. Alternatively, the stainless steel or aluminum brush can be an accurate option for doing this job. On the other hand, clamping assists to retain a place of your weld metal across the weld and you can even spray the anti-spatter that would release welding from dripping off while recollecting a surface smooth.

One of the most essential things you need to consider while tig welding on steel pipes via any process is to guarantee the ample security preparation before doing any kind of welding job. The tig welding is not at all out of this circumstance. It requires enough security measures in order to avoid any significant incidents such as having eye damage or burning your skin.

In such a case, you can make use of the dark helmets, welding gloves, and toe shoes while wearing a shirt or a jacket that is long-sleeved. Apart from these, washing your helmet before you starting the welding task will also enable you to detect a process method more clearly, and also bright light can be used to perform this job.

You may search for tips for the tig welding on steel square tubing at this time. Further, you can clean the mill scale, ensure the overall things are square, and get at least three tack welds on each joint. You must weld the outside corner in the beginning and from inside to outside as long as possible to overcome distortion. Keep in mind that lay wire is easier sometimes.

What’s the Heat Input of TIG Welding on Steel

The keyhole TIG process needs high heat input because of the high amperage. A good combination of the high currents and high-speed process of welding through the deep penetration lets for some passes end in the modest heat input suitable within the usual range. The approximate heat input for the TIG weld on the material with the 10mm thickness on the 304 stainless steel is usually 1.4kJ/mm gross.

The heat input is one of the most important things to consider for the successful TIG welding on steel. You can contact and consult with qualified welders to find out and make certain appropriate heat input of TIG welding on steel. You can take the reading of voltage and amperage in your welding machine with the analog or digital meters and divide it by the overall travel speed for calculating the heat input in the Joules per inch. The formula to calculate the heat input is (60xAmpsxvolts) / (1000 x travel speed in in/min) = KJ/in. The formula to calculate the travel speed is the length of the weld/time to weld. Fast travel reduces heat input. You can get the lower heat input when you reduce the amperage and voltage. 

FAQ

Tig Welding and Back Purging on Steel

All beginners to the TIG welding must be aware of the back purging which refers to the practice of ensuring the overall root run of the weld which is protected by the same inert gas being used for protecting the weld pool. This process avoids the oxidation of the root run in terms of the non-weld side. The weld designer can use the option of root purging when access to the root is available. There are different ways to remove the root. For example, you can use the grinding and remove the root and start reweld it from the root side. 

Should I Tig Weld on Steel Chassis

Any chassis part can be successfully and fully seam welded. Do not forget that distortion is not an issue when it comes to a thick folded panel. The seam weld on the steel chassis can be made easily and quickly when you use the equipment and apply the techniques in a proper way. You must follow the guidelines correctly to get the chassis welding done as per requirements. If you have any doubts regarding this special welding, then you must consult with specialists in this sector and make clear your doubt before start welding. 

TIG Welding on Steel Lap Joint

Easy-to-follow nature of the step by step instructions about how to TIG weld the lap joint nowadays attract almost everyone who has decided to successfully complete this project within the schedule and budget. You must be aware of how to manipulate and read the overall puddle before getting into the process of welding with the filler wire. Also, you can run a couple of autogenous welds. In addition, you can get the hang of the welding devoid of filler and fusing the material altogether and add filler as per requirements. 

TIG Welding on Steel With Brass Filler Rod

TIG welding brass is complex on the whole due to the zinc material with the lowest melting point and the brass is thermally conductive and needs quite a bit of heat input for welding. You require the first-class arc which tries to vaporize the material zinc. You can use the inverter with about thirty pulses per second %t set on about fifty and background set on fifty. Do not forget to use enough heat and get a puddle going. Pulse the pedal in a fast way while adding the rod and get off the pedal and arc back over the entire puddle. 

TIG Welding on Steel With Silicon Bronze

TIG welding with the material silicone bronze is tig brazing in the technical point of view as the base metal being brazed or welded has a higher melting point when compared to the silicon bronze filler rod. This nature ends in problem as excess steel mixed into the silicone bronze results in cracking and a brittle weld or braze.