SD036Argon arc welding gun

Structure Composition

Torch Body:
The torch body is the main part of the TIG welding gun, containing a complex internal conductive system and gas channels. The conductive system transmits welding current to the electrode (non-consumable electrode TIG welding) or the wire (consumable electrode TIG welding), while the gas channels deliver argon. The shell of the torch body is typically made of insulating material to prevent operators from electric shock.

Electrode Clamp (Non-Consumable Electrode TIG Welding) or Contact Tip (Consumable Electrode TIG Welding):

• In non-consumable electrode TIG welding, the electrode clamp is used to hold the tungsten electrode, a critical component for arc generation. The clamp must securely fix the electrode while ensuring excellent conductivity. Its design facilitates easy installation, replacement, and position adjustment of the electrode.

• In consumable electrode TIG welding, the contact tip transmits current to the welding wire. Usually made of copper alloy, the contact tip offers excellent conductivity and durability. Its inner diameter matches the wire diameter to ensure smooth wire feeding and stable current.

Nozzle:
Located at the front of the welding gun, the nozzle serves as the outlet for argon gas. The shape and size of the nozzle significantly affect the shielding effect of argon. Common shapes include cylindrical and conical nozzles. Conical nozzles focus the gas flow for welding in confined spaces or areas requiring high shielding, while cylindrical nozzles provide a more uniform gas coverage. The nozzle's inner diameter is chosen based on welding current and shielding requirements; higher welding currents typically require larger nozzle diameters.

Handle:
Designed for stability and ease of use, the handle provides a comfortable grip for the operator. It typically includes a control switch for starting and stopping the welding process. Some TIG welding gun handles also feature adjustment knobs for fine-tuning welding current (consumable electrode TIG welding) or argon flow, enhancing operational convenience.

Working Principles

Non-Consumable Electrode TIG Welding:
High-frequency, high-voltage current ionizes the argon gas between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece to form a conductive channel. The arc is then maintained at a lower voltage. Argon flows from the nozzle, enveloping the arc and molten weld pool, creating a stable protective atmosphere. The tungsten electrode, with its high melting point, remains solid during welding. The arc's heat melts the edges of the workpiece, forming a molten pool. This pool cools and solidifies under the argon shield, creating a weld seam.

Consumable Electrode TIG Welding:
The welding wire acts as the electrode. Electrical resistance heats the wire, melting its tip into droplets under the arc. Simultaneously, argon flows from the nozzle, forming a protective gas layer around the wire and weld pool. The molten droplets are transferred to the pool under the arc's influence. As the torch moves, the molten metal solidifies into a continuous weld seam.

Importance and Mechanism of Argon Shielding

Importance:
Argon is an inert gas with highly stable chemical properties. During welding, it effectively prevents oxygen, nitrogen, and other harmful gases in the air from entering the molten weld pool. Without argon shielding, these gases would react with the molten metal, causing defects like porosity, slag inclusions, and cracks, which compromise weld quality and mechanical properties.

Mechanism:
Argon is emitted through the torch nozzle at a specified flow rate and pressure, forming a continuous gas flow layer around the arc and molten pool. This layer acts as a "shield," isolating the molten pool from the surrounding air. With its higher density than air, argon creates a stable protective atmosphere beneath the welding area, preventing air diffusion into the pool. Additionally, argon's good flow properties help remove metal vapor and impurities produced during welding, further ensuring weld quality.

Applications and Advantages

Applications:

• Materials: TIG welding guns are suitable for various metals, especially non-ferrous metals like aluminum, magnesium, titanium, and their alloys, as well as stainless steel. These materials are prone to reacting with air, and argon shielding effectively prevents oxidation and nitridation, ensuring weld quality.

• Welding Positions and Thickness: TIG welding guns can handle various welding positions, including flat, vertical, horizontal, and overhead. They accommodate different material thicknesses with proper parameter adjustments (e.g., welding current, voltage, argon flow). For thicker materials, multi-layer welding or higher welding currents may be required to ensure weld quality.

Advantages:

• High Weld Quality: Argon shielding ensures excellent weld quality, producing smooth, aesthetically pleasing welds with minimal defects like porosity or slag inclusions. The mechanical properties (e.g., strength, toughness) of the welds meet stringent standards.

• Precision Welding: TIG welding guns offer precise control over welding current and argon flow, enabling highly accurate operations. This makes them ideal for components requiring high dimensional accuracy and appearance, such as aerospace parts and electronic equipment casings.

• Small Heat-Affected Zone: TIG welding's concentrated heat source minimizes the heat-affected zone around the weld, reducing workpiece distortion. This is particularly advantageous for precision components requiring high dimensional stability.