TIG Welding

Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is one of the most common welding processes. Developed for welding magnesium in the aerospace sector in the early 20th century, it was soon discovered that TIG welding was more useful on a broader array of materials. Though not suitable for all applications, it is typically selected when a precision weld is required on small parts or thin metals.The experts at Miracle Welding specialize in TIG welding for a myriad of industries. We use a 350-amp inverter with features including:

Independent amplitude / amperage controls
AC Frequency Controls
AC waveforms and Advanced Square Wave
Pulse capability to 5,000 per second

What is TIG Welding?

TIG welding is also commonly referred to as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). A clean, high-quality welding process, TIG welding is the favored option when a very precise weld is desired or required. TIG welding outperforms other welding options because it produces high-quality, clean welds. This makes it an ideal process for applications where aesthetics are a concern.

A TIG weld is formed by creating an arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a metal component that requires welding. An inert gas such as helium or argon shields the weld area and tungsten electrode from oxidation or contamination. This is often an autogenous process, but a filler metal may be added separately to the weld pool in some instances.

The concentrated arc produced by a TIG welder provides excellent accuracy, giving the welder total control of heat input and creating a much smaller heat-affected zone. Using welding equipment with a pulsed current offers even higher control over the heat input, as the weld pool is continuously heating and cooling between pulses which allows the use of a higher peak amperage.

TIG welding may be used to weld most metals and metal alloys and can also be used to bond different metals to each other. Of note, TIG welding is the preferred method for welding aluminum due to its precise heat control. Aluminum has a much lower melting point than some other metals, which makes it difficult to weld. It heats up slowly but also retains heat for a long time, so precise heat control is critical for aluminum welding projects.

TIG vs. MIG Welding

Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a welding process that creates an arc between a consumable MIG wire electrode and the metal workpiece. MIG welding uses a consumable filler material when making welds, enabling MIG welders to bond thicker metal objects more quickly than the TIG welding process. TIG welding, however, typically offers a higher level of precision for projects with stricter requirements.

Wondering whether TIG welding or MIG welding is the better process to implement for your application? Take a look at the recommended use cases below:

Feature	MIG Welding	TIG Welding
Control	Simpler operation, little training required	CNC operated; specialized technique required to bond smaller components.
Materials	Narrower metal material capabilities; best for thicker materials.	Wide variety of metals; best for thinner materials.
Speed	Faster for thicker materials; better for high volume runs.	More focused on detail; better for precision jobs.
Cost	Less costly for higher volumes.	More expensive, but higher quality.

Ultimately, deciding which welding option is most appropriate depends on the specifications of the job.

TIG Services at Miracle Welding

Miracle Welding’s capabilities enable us to offer complete semi-automated and free-hand welding services on materials from 0.012–3 inches thick. We also provide heavy metal and sheet metal fabrication services and work with a variety of metals and alloys, including:

Steel
Stainless steel
Aluminum
Inconel

Miracle Welding is certified to all national and industry standards for welding, including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Mil-Spec. Our highly skilled team has provided precision TIG welding services for projects in aerospace transportation, construction, heavy machine building, and OEM industries, among others. Our experienced team offers unparalleled skill and expertise and we are committed to absolute customer satisfaction.

Miracle Welding offers TIG, MIG, and arc welding services for industrial and commercial projects. We specialize in rolling angles up to 3 inches and pipe up to 2.5 inches. Our heavy equipment and trucks can handle loads up to 20,000 pounds.