TIG Welding
TIG (GTAW) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert shielding gas to make clean, precise, high-quality welds. It is the preferred process for thin sheet, stainless steel, aluminium and visible or critical joints.
What it is
The welder controls heat and adds filler rod separately, giving excellent control of the weld pool. Argon shielding protects the weld from oxidation, producing neat welds with little spatter.
TIG is slower than MIG but gives superior quality and appearance, and is often used for root passes on pipework.
Typical applications
- Stainless steel food, dairy and pharma equipment
- Aluminium frames and tanks
- Thin sheet and precision assemblies
- Pipe root passes and process piping
- Visible cosmetic welds
Suitable materials
- Stainless steel
- Aluminium
- Mild steel (thin)
- Copper, titanium and nickel alloys
Points to consider
- TIG costs more per metre than MIG; use it where quality or appearance matters.
- Stainless pipe welds may need back purging to avoid internal oxidation.
- Clean joints thoroughly; TIG is sensitive to contamination.
- Post-weld pickling restores stainless corrosion resistance.
Frequently asked questions
Why use TIG welding for stainless steel?
It gives clean, controlled welds with minimal spatter and good corrosion performance, especially important for food and pharma equipment.
Is TIG welding stronger than MIG?
Both can produce strong welds. TIG gives better control and quality on thin and critical joints; MIG is faster on thicker sections.
What is back purging?
Filling the inside of a pipe with inert gas during welding so the inner weld surface doesn't oxidise, critical for stainless process piping.