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Tungsten Inert Gas(TIG)

​How does a TIG welder work?

TIG stands for tungsten inert gas and is technically called gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). The process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. An inert gas, typically argon, protects and cools the tungsten and weld puddle. TIG welding is similar to oxy-acetylene welding in that you use a filler material for build-up or reinforcement.

In race car fabrication, we use TIG welding for aluminum and 4130 chrome-moly steel. If you are going to weld either of these materials, you need a quality TIG welder. Miller offers products to accommodate anyone — from a home hobbyist to an advanced user.

If you have ever welded with an oxy-acetylene torch, you can easily weld with a TIG machine. The TIG process uses an electric torch, and the welder hand feeds filler rod into the molten puddle.

The ability to soft start and soft stop the heat makes the TIG process different from other types of electric welding. Some people like the accelerator pedal to control the heat if they are working on a bench and others like fingertip remotes on the torch if they are working in out-of-position areas. The remote adjusts the heat while you are welding.