Micro TIG Welding

Welding technology is widely used in manufacturing, construction and engineering industries. Welding is the process of joining materials such as thermoplastics and metals by the physical process of coalescence. During coalescence the parts that are required to be joined are first liquefied and then joined together to solidify. As the molten joint solidifies, the joint turns into a strong bond. Welding is an important technique/process of fabricating and mending metal products. Energy supplied in the welding process is generally in the form of heat flames and electricity. In many processes, mechanical means like ultrasonic vibrations and friction are also used.

There are various types of welding techniques that are used in industries, like shielded metal arc welding, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc welding, oxyfuel welding and resistance welding.

What is Micro TIG Welding?
Micro TIG welding is a latest form of conventional TIG welding. TIG stands for tungsten inert gas welding. The system employs the application of tungsten arc welding coupled with a microscope for closer look of the welded material. The micro TIG welding uses the principles of high tech optics and lightning to ensure faster and accurate cuts. Fiber optics is used to improve the quality of cuts and spot the tiny places, like corner joints etc. that are not easily traced by the naked eyes. These welds are maintained at optimum temperatures so they prevent any damage to the welded material due to overheating.

Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG)
A TIG welding uses tungsten as an electrode to heat the welded metal and an inert gas (argon) to prevent the weld puddle from reacting with air. Weld puddle is nothing but the small area of a molten metal that solidifies to form a permanent joint. Why is tungsten used? Tungsten is widely used in metallurgical industries due to its high melting point. Tungsten has a melting point of approximately 3422^oC. The high melting point makes tungsten an ideal choice for arc welding and electrical works where temperatures soar to above thousands of degrees.

Metals like chromium, aluminum, copper, brass, bronze and gold are welded by using micro TIG welding process. Micro TIG is also used for welding lawn mowers, bikes and automobiles. From repairing tools to heavy industrial processes, TIG welding is used everywhere.

Controlled heating is a basic requirement in the welding process. For sculpting machines, controlled heating is essential. Micro TIG welding has a control mechanism (foot or hand amperage control) that helps to maintain the amount of heat flowing to the welded materials. Controlled heat supply is also of immense importance in shaping decorative materials where precision of cut is essential.

Micro TIG welds do not create smokes, sparks or emit harmful gases unless the base metal is contaminated with zinc, oil or grease. Either AC or DC power supply is used in micro TIG welding and the type of metal decides the power supply that has to be used. The length of the torch body is small and this helps the operator to hold it comfortably in the hand and work with ease.

Working with TIG welding torches is easy but care should be taken that such welds are only undertaken by expert welders. Don't try these at home. The torch placement should be at proper angles, mostly at 70^oc to 80^oC. Safety gloves and fire proof jackets and welding helmets must be worn before operating micro TIG welding torches.