How to cook with argon

Argon welding for beginners

Argon is a gas often used in welding. It is colorless and odorless and has excellent protective properties. The main advantage of argon is its low price. For this reason, argon is used not only in factory production conditions, but also in home welding. Argon can only be purchased in steel cylinders. Manufacturers offer different volumes; you can buy both compact 15 liters and large 40 liters.

In addition, argon does not emit toxic fumes and is not explosive. Argon is often used in arc, plasma and laser welding. For argon arc welding, consumable or non-consumable electrodes are additionally used. In this material we have collected for you all the most useful articles about argon welding. They will help you with your training.

Advantages and features of argon welding

Argon welding has its advantages and features, like any other welding technology. In this article we talked about all the nuances: from setting the welding mode to all the pros and cons of this technology.

Read on to understand the essence of argon arc welding and avoid making mistakes.

This article is essentially a short excursion into the topic of argon welding. It is a must read if you have no idea what this technology is and what its characteristic features are.

We also tell you what equipment can be used in conjunction with argon to achieve the best results.

Features of welding aluminum with argon

Aluminum is one of the most popular metals. It is widely used in the production of everything: from dishes to parts in microelectronics. But despite its prevalence, not all beginners know how to weld aluminum. A feature of aluminum is an oxide film covering the entire surface of the metal. It is a major headache for beginners.

Because of this, the seam turns out sloppy and fragile.

What is an oxide film, how to get rid of it and what equipment to use to get a high-quality seam - we talk about everything in a separate article. You will also learn how to properly strike the arc and how to form a weld pool.

In short, everything you need to know to weld aluminum with argon even in a garage.

How to weld ferrous metal with argon

Ferrous metals usually include iron and its alloys. Ferrous metal is often the raw material for the production of cast iron and various steels. But there are situations when you have to cook pure iron. This is not easy to do, but using argon makes the task much easier.


However, welding ferrous metal with argon also has its pros and cons. And in any case, you need to follow technology to make the welded joint strong. We talk about all this in our article.

From the article you will also learn which welding mode to choose for welding ferrous metal and what fire safety rules must be followed to avoid accidents.

How to weld stainless steel with argon yourself

In this article we explain in detail how to cook stainless steel using argon.

Stainless steel is a complex material with many nuances. That's why we've covered everything you need to know to weld stainless steel yourself. We also explained in detail how to prepare metal for welding so that the seam turns out to be of high quality and beautiful. You will learn about all the nuances: from optimal gas flow to the position of the torch during welding. We shared some tips that we have developed in our practice. For example, they told us how to avoid metal oxidation or how to weld thin sheets of stainless steel. You will not find such information in GOSTs

Source: https://svarkaed.ru/svarka/vidy-i-sposoby-svarki/gazovaya-i-gazozashhitnaya-svarka/argonnaya-svarka-dlya-nachinayushhih.html

Argon welding of metals and alloys

Looking around, you can see a large number of products made from stainless steel, copper and bronze, aluminum and alloys based on them. Unlike ordinary iron, these metals have their own characteristics.

Argon welding is the best way to repair metals and alloys with unique properties. To work, you will need a gas cylinder, special equipment, and certain technical skills.

Process Basics

Welding work in argon is gas welding combined with arc welding. Fusion is carried out in the field of an electric arc in an atmosphere of inert gas. Why can't this be done as usual in the air?

The fact is that oxygen in the air actively oxidizes the substances of alloys. Oxidation products enter the seam and loosen it. Air bubbles can get into the formed pores, ultimately deteriorating the quality of the seam. It turns out that in principle it is possible to cook, but the connection will be very weak.

To avoid negative consequences, argon welding technology was developed. The inert atmosphere completely eliminates the possibility of oxidation. The relative molecular weight of argon is 40 amu.

For air, this figure is generally considered to be 29 amu. Consequently, argon is significantly heavier than air. As soon as it begins to be pumped out of the cylinder, the air mixture in the working area is immediately forced upward as it is lighter.

Air cannot be present in the weld pool even in residual quantities. Argon welding guarantees the strength and durability of the seam.

To carry out work in argon, electrodes that melt or remain unchanged can be used. Tungsten does not melt at arc temperature. The type and diameters of electrodes are selected according to tables from reference books. The main indicator that determines the choice of electrodes is the materials being fused.

Various technologies

Most often you have to work with steels containing varying amounts of additives and aluminum alloys. Let's consider the international classification of types of welding in argon used for these materials:

• MMA welding is performed using manual technology in an electric arc field formed by a coated electrode. With alternating current, only carbon steel can be welded in this way. With direct current - both carbon and stainless steel, as well as aluminum and its alloys;
• TIG welding is performed manually in argon or other inert gas with a tungsten electrode. With alternating current, only aluminum and its alloys can be welded this way. At constant – carbon and stainless steels;
• MIG welding is semi-automatic welding with consumable wire. The technology uses alternating current. Both types of steel and aluminum with alloys can be welded.

In the Russian-language information space, in parallel with international terminology, the domestic classification is often used.

This is completely justified and understandable. Technological approaches differ in many countries, which entails differences in terminology and abbreviations.

Domestic terminology

In the domestic technical literature there may be slightly different terminology regarding welding in argon. There are also government standards that describe process performance requirements.

The abbreviation RAD means manual arc welding in argon using a non-consumable electrode.

The abbreviation AMA denotes an automatic type of argon arc welding using a non-consumable electrode.

The abbreviation AADP combines all options for automated welding with consumable electrodes.

Experts can easily navigate the terminology. Beginners will have to study the required method, remember its name, and master the technique of execution.

When working in production with argon and other gases, professionals are guided by uniform state requirements. Their implementation is mandatory and subject to strict control.

GOST 14771 normalizes the types, nature of seams, thickness of welded parts made of stainless alloys based on iron and nickel . The standard contains requirements for working with non-consumable electrodes with and without the use of additives, as well as with consumable electrodes.

In the latter case, additives are not needed. Argon arc welding is a type of welding in an inert environment, specified in this GOST.

Required Equipment

To weld with argon, you will need a set of equipment that differs from the standard one used for conventional welding in an air atmosphere. It is necessary to ensure the supply of argon, regulate its supply mode, have a current source and devices for igniting the arc. Manual argon arc welding can be carried out with the following simple set:

• burners;
• special nozzle for the burner;
• a transformer that supplies current from the network;
• oscillator to initiate arc burning;
• regulator of the duration of argon supply to the working area;
• a gas cylinder, necessarily equipped with a reducer;
• set of electrodes;
• filler wire;
• protective clothing and glasses;
• some additional devices.

The purpose of everything necessary is clear and requires no comment. You should pay attention to the need for an oscillator. In conventional welding in an air atmosphere, it was enough to touch the surface of the metal to ignite the electric arc. When working with argon welding, it is impossible to ignite the arc in this way. To initiate the process you need an oscillator.

The ready-made TIG machine is very easy to use. When purchasing, you need to pay attention to its purpose. For working with aluminum alloys, a device with alternating current is suitable. It is marked with the letters AC.

For steel alloys, a unit is designed that supplies direct current. It is marked DC. If you plan to constantly repair various metal parts, it is recommended to purchase a universal device. It can operate in both modes and is easily combined with the central power supply network.

When purchasing a ready-made device, you will additionally only need to buy an argon cylinder, a flow meter, and hoses for connecting the cylinder . All other devices are built into the unit.

Process Features

The possibilities of welding in argon are great. Working with each specific metal has its own characteristics, without which it will not be possible to obtain a good weld.

There is always an oxide film on the surface of aluminum products. In air it oxidizes very quickly. Even if this layer is mechanically cleaned off, a new one will form within a few minutes.

Aluminum oxide is a very refractory substance. You can destroy the oxide film on the surface of the part by using alternating current or connecting with reverse polarity.

In this case, argon not only creates an inert environment, but also destroys oxides. The argon consumption when working with thin parts is 6 l/min, with thick ones (more than 5 mm) it reaches 15 l/min.

Welding of stainless steel in an argon environment can be performed with or without an additive of stainless steel rods. The angle of inclination of the electrode when cooking without an additive is 90 °C.

Welding with a rod is carried out with an inclined electrode. A heat-resistant burner nozzle is required. The temperature of the working area is very high.

Once welding is complete, the gas supply must not be abruptly stopped. The seam may crack. You should wait until the working area cools down completely, then turn off the gas.

The difference between copper and titanium

Copper is unique. The metal also oxidizes very easily and has high thermal conductivity (6 times more than iron). Welding copper parts requires a high arc temperature.

In this case, it will be necessary to significantly increase the argon consumption. The flow rate varies from 7 l/min when working with thin parts (1.2 mm) to 14 l/min when welding parts with a thickness of 25 mm in several passes.

The specificity of copper also lies in its large linear expansion, which can lead to the formation of cracks in hot material. To prevent negative phenomena, copper is gradually heated to 300 °C, bronze alloys - to 600 °C. Only after this can you start working.

To work with titanium, argon must be directed from the back of the part. Therefore, you should purchase special nozzles for gas supply in advance. Argon consumption is 6-7 l/min.

Argon welding is a process with many parameters. Everything can and should be taken into account using special reference books. Having an idea of ​​the basics, it is much easier to navigate the technical literature.

Source: https://svaring.com/welding/vidy/svarka-argonom

Argon welding for beginners: instructions, features, rules, pros and cons

Argon is a gas that is often used in welding. It is completely colorless, odorless and protects the metal from the bad influence of the atmosphere.

the reason why it is so widely used in welding is its low price, because other protective gases sometimes have lower prices, craftsmen simply do not buy them, which reduces the quality of the seam.

Introduction

The use of argon is so widespread that it is used not only in factories and industries, but even at home, craftsmen have learned to use it, although working with gas is often unsafe and there is nothing good about it being in the garages of ordinary people, but this is not the same The argon option is completely safe; it does not explode. This gas is sold only in steel cylinders.

They come in different sizes, the manufacturer offers volumes from fifteen to forty liters, so if you have to brew a meter of land once a year, then you can just buy a small cylinder and it will last you for a very long time.

Another advantage of argon in terms of safety is that it is not explosive and also does not emit toxins when working with it, and this is important because if we are talking about home use, then there may be unqualified people or even children near the cylinder.

The most common areas of application are in arc, laser and plasma welding. If this is welding using an arc, then an electrode should be included with the gas; it can be with a melting or non-melting coating.

In our article we have made an extract from the main articles on this topic. If you find them interesting, you can read them in the full version.

Advantages and characteristics of welding with argon

Of course, argon welding has its advantages and characteristics, keeping up with all other types and technologies for welding metals.

This article will tell you about all the good and bad sides of argon welding, as well as some of the subtleties of working with such gas, and even about how to set up your welding machine so that the weld turns out to be of high quality.

This information is very useful to read; it will help you navigate the principles of argon and avoid mistakes. And this is important for beginners, or people who have not yet tried to work with this type of welding.

This article is very basic, it is highly recommended reading if you know nothing at all about argon cooking.

It will open the curtain for you on the processes that take place during this type of cooking and why this happens in principle. This article should be the first on your reading list, because without it you will not be able to navigate other articles.

She also describes a variety of equipment for this type of work so that your result is satisfactory, because it is obvious that if a person has never worked with this type of cooking, he does not know what consumables are needed for this.

How to weld aluminum with argon

Aluminum is one of those metals that everyone has on their tongue, even a child knows that aluminum is a metal.

This metal is used in industrial enterprises; dishes and even elements for microelectronics are made from it, and this is a very specialized niche.

BUT even such wide popularity of this metal did not ensure that everyone knew how to handle it. In most cases, a beginner will not know which way to approach a metal such as aluminum.

The reason why seams on such metal often turn out weak and not beautiful is the oxide film that covers the metal.

It is because of this that working with one of the most common metals is so painstaking and not easy. We will tell you more about the oxide film in another article, since this is a very broad and painful topic.

Another article will tell you about igniting and maintaining arc stability and the formation of a weld pool. This article will give you all the necessary information on how to cook aluminum using argon even in the wild.

Features of welding ferrous metal with argon

Ferrous metals are classically considered to be iron and its alloys. Such metals rarely act independently; more often they are taken as raw materials, produced, for example, cast iron, or used for processing for steel production.

Rarely, but sometimes situations arise when you need to deal with pure iron.

This is a very difficult task, but this gas makes it a lot easier. Like any method, argon welding has advantages and disadvantages. And if you need to get a passable result, you will have to strictly adhere to the technology.

This article talks about all this, it will also talk about how to choose a welding mode, what safety rules should be followed, and in particular fire safety. Because welding is not a simple matter and unsafe situations often arise.

Welding stainless steel with argon

This article will tell you how to weld stainless steel using all the nuances and features. Those who are involved in welding know that stainless steel is far from being a simple metal, when working with which many problems often arise, you need to cut, digest, and sometimes you don’t even have to cut, the seams themselves crack and come apart, but how to deal with this?

That is why you should read our article where we will tell you how to cook stainless steel with your own hands using argon.

An important stage of welding is the preparation of the metal, the quality of the weld depends on this, what you get in the end, the metal must be thoroughly cleaned and checked for defects.

This article describes how to most advantageously use gas to the burner position. Here you will find tips that the masters have honed during practice, and you will no longer have to repeat someone else’s mistakes.

Just take and adopt the experience of a person who already knows how good it will be and how bad it will be. For example, how to cook metal with argon so that it does not oxidize, or how to cook thin metal, because this is filigree work that requires care.

Even GOSTs do not write such advice, although you can find very informative operating instructions there that will help both beginners and experienced welders.

Bottom line

If you need your seams to be reliable and neat, without having to re-sew a hundred times, or spend a lot of money on expensive consumables, then you need to read these articles.

They tell you all the nuances of welding with argon, a variety of metals that are quite difficult to work with. If you work with stainless steel or aluminum, then these nuances are many times greater than when working with other metals.

You need to try hard to ensure that your seams are strong, beautiful, without sagging or welding. Read all the pros and cons of welding with this gas that we have given and evaluate whether it is worth using it, but most often this metal justifies itself.

If you are an experienced craftsman, then write what you think about this, whether you had to work with argon, whether it made your work easier, or perhaps even vice versa.

Tell us about gas consumption, it will be very useful for entrepreneurs who make money by welding. Your experience will be useful to us for future articles and to beginners who are just learning. We wish you good luck and new successful works!

Source: https://prosvarku.info/tehnika-svarki/argonnaya-svarka-dlya-nachinayushchih

How to cook with argon video lessons

Manual argon arc welding is one of the most versatile methods of welding metals. With the proper experience and skills of the welder-operator, this type of welding allows you to obtain high-quality welds with excellent strength characteristics and external aesthetics of the welded joints.

The need for welding aluminum, copper, titanium, and stainless steels has long begun to arise not only in production, but also in everyday life. Traditional equipment does not always cope well with such tasks. For various repair work and the manufacture of structures from such materials, argon welding is used, training for which on our website will help you do it yourself.

In fact, the welding process is not such a complicated procedure, and good results can be achieved even with a method such as argon welding: video tutorials make it possible to verify this.

Features of argon arc welding

The main and distinctive feature is the use of a non-consumable (tungsten) electrode and inert shielding gas argon, the use of which ensures high quality and reliability of welded joints.

The use of argon arc welding technology allows us to obtain strong, even and neat seams. Video lessons demonstrate clearly and in detail how argon welding occurs, because it is necessary to take into account many subtleties in the process.

How to hold the burner correctly

Manipulations during argon arc welding are performed with a special argon torch. Due to its design features, a tungsten electrode is installed in the burner so that its tip protrudes above the surface of the limiting ceramic nozzle by several millimeters. Typically, the welder controls the torch with his right hand, bringing it as close as possible to the weld pool.

A short arc increases the depth of metal penetration, and externally makes the seam aesthetically pleasing. Therefore, in order for argon welding to occur correctly, learning how to manipulate the torch to maintain the correct arc length is not the last thing. Unlike electric arc welding with a stick electrode, frequent oscillatory movements are not allowed when argon welding is performed; video lessons will allow you to learn the correct technique for working with a torch.

Filler material supply

The fusion of edges and the formation of a weld seam during argon arc welding can be carried out using only the heat of the welding arc, or using filler rods. How the filler material is fed into the welding zone determines how wide the seam will be and how even it will be.

Sharp supply of the additive should be avoided; in order to avoid splashes, it is better to introduce it evenly, with smooth and uniform movements, at an angle to the surface to be welded along the entire length of the weld. The additive must be fed in front of the welding torch. It is important to constantly ensure that the filler wire does not leave the gas protection zone.

Of course, all this comes with practice and experience, but for those who watch videos demonstrating argon welding, learning by doing will help you avoid the most common mistakes made at the beginning.

Preliminary edge preparation

The versatility of using manual argon arc welding also has a downside. This is the most capricious and finicky welding in terms of preparing the surfaces to be welded, edges, parts, assemblies, and so on. A professional argon worker will definitely have a whole arsenal of equipment, tools, accessories and all kinds of devices for preparatory work.

This includes an abrasive tool, and a huge number of burrs, cutters, nozzles, as well as everything that provides a chemical cleaning method: from a bottle of acetone and a rag - when working in a personal garage, to huge electrochemical galvanic baths used in large-scale production: machine tools - and shipbuilding, in the manufacture of containers for the chemical, food and cryogenic industries.

50% of success in argon arc welding is the cleanliness of the elements being welded, no matter how trite it may sound, so it is recommended to start work by cleaning the parts of the surfaces being welded from fats, oxides and other contaminants.

More on this topic on our website:

1. New electrode welding lessons - what is “boat welding”
   Welding with a metal electrode is the oldest and most famous technology for arc welding. Electrode welding lessons are in demand among both professionals and amateurs.

Welding stainless steel with an electrode - the process of welding stainless steel
According to the accepted classification, stainless steel belongs to high-alloy steels that have high corrosion resistance.

The main alloying component in its composition is chromium, the content of which varies.

Argon welding - video on how to properly perform argon welding
Before starting work, you should carefully review “Argon welding. » in order to understand the advantages of its use, the nuances of the process itself, as well as the most common mistakes that...

Argon welding - prices per cm from a good argon welder Argon
welding is popular because, compared to other types of welding, it is distinguished by the neatness of the seam, its strength and durability. Argon welding can be done independently or invited.

Tig welding is a skill that can be easily acquired even without special welding skills. Lessons for beginners help you master this skill. Welding experts will help you figure out how to cook with argon. We offer you an introductory description of the process and informative video tutorials.

Source: https://nevkucnogo.net/kak-varit-argonom-video-uroki.html

How to cook stainless steel with argon

How is stainless steel welded with argon? The entire technology process will be covered in this publication!

Stainless steel belongs to high-alloy steels that are rust-resistant. According to the chemical composition, it is based on chromium and chromium-nickel, and according to the metal composition it is divided into dispersion-hardening, austenitic, martensitic, austenitic-ferritic and ferritic.

Any of the steels listed contains at least 12% chromium, which has a positive effect on strength and workability.

Due to its excellent properties, stainless steel is widely used in everyday life and industry. Therefore, having the skill of welding such metal, you will save yourself from many household troubles.

The material has a number of nuances that you should know:

• low thermal conductivity increases the risk of burning through thin metal (treated by reducing the current);
• large shrinkage causes the formation of cracks (the correct gap between the workpieces is necessary);
• loss of anti-corrosion properties at the welding site of stainless steel (rapid cooling required).

Equipment

To weld stainless steel, you need a power source with settings for: non-contact ignition and crater filling.

The filler rod must be of the same composition as the material being welded to provide the weld with strength and corrosion resistance. For example, the widely used stainless steel is 304, which means the wire should be Y308. More clearly in the table:

To reduce gas consumption and better protect the weld pool, use a gas lens with a mesh in the torch. Nozzles with different diameters are available for the lens. The larger the size, the better the protection.

For our purposes, No. 5 will do. This diameter allows you to get to hard-to-reach places.

Thanks to the gas lens, the electrode can be extended up to 10 mm.

Tungsten electrodes; when welding stainless steel with argon, you can use universal ones. The diameter depends on the thickness of the metal. For example, an electrode with a diameter of 1 mm (withstands current up to 50 A) is used for workpiece thicknesses of 0.7-1.6 mm.

For currents above 50 A, it is recommended to install electrodes from 1.6 mm.

Preparation of material

Just as you machine mild steel, stainless steel edges are cleaned and adjusted before welding. Clean the material with a steel brush until it shines and degrease it with any solvent.

Take into account the nuance - to shrink the seam, make the welding joint with a small gap.

Know that not everything shiny is stainless steel. You can check metal using a magnet:

1. if there is no attraction, then we have stainless steel;
2. if the material sticks to the magnet, then it is ordinary steel.

Thin metal connection

Welding thin stainless steel - nuances of technology. With this connection, it is recommended to place a copper plate under the workpieces.

Copper plate for comfortable connection of products

Which serves for:

• seam protection on the other side;
• heat removal;
• rigid fixation of flexible plates.

Source: https://plavitmetall.ru/svarka/nerzhavejki-argonom.html

Argon welding

There is a fairly extensive list of metals for which welding in a normal atmosphere is not applicable. Due to the high chemical activity of these metals and alloys in a heated and liquid state, they interact with atmospheric oxygen and oxidize, losing their physical properties.

Aluminum alloysStainless steelsHigh alloy steelFerrotitaniumRed copper sheets

Such substances include stainless and high-alloy steel, non-ferrous and rare metals such as titanium, copper, aluminum. For their high-quality welding, a technology was developed for welding in a protective atmosphere of inert gas, which prevents contact of the weld pool with atmospheric oxygen. Argon is most often used as such gas.

Manual arc welding in argon environment

The technology of welding in an argon environment is complex compared to conventional welding, but it makes it possible to weld metals that are almost impossible to connect using any other method.

Argon welding technology

The basic principle of operation is that welding is performed using an electric arc method in a protective gas atmosphere.

Argon welding

Most non-ferrous metals, stainless steel and high-alloy steel differ from ferrous metals in that when heated they exhibit high chemical activity and interact with atmospheric oxygen, forming oxides and losing useful additives.

This significantly worsens both the properties of the weld itself and the metal in the heat-affected area. The weld becomes weak, and the alloys lose their properties due to alloying additives. The situation is even worse with aluminum and some other light metals - they ignite.

To avoid these unpleasant consequences, welding is carried out in an atmosphere of inert gas - argon, which prevents the interaction of heated metal with atmospheric oxygen. The density of argon is almost one and a half times greater than the density of air, so the inert gas replaces the air in the work area and protects it.

Argon welding can be performed with both fusible and non-fusible electrodes, usually tungsten.

Tig welding technology involves three main methods:

• MMA (RAD) manual, tungsten electrode
• MIG/MAG (AMA) automatic, infusible electrode
• TIG (AADP) – also automatic, fusible electrode

Features of argon welding

Argon welding differs from conventional welding in several ways. The main working tool in the hardware complex is the burner. A tungsten electrode is fixed in the center, and gas flows through a nozzle.

The electric arc heats and melts the metal in the working area, the filler wire, melting, provides material for the weld. The composition of this wire must be selected so that it is as close as possible to the composition of the metals being welded.

The technological process consists of the following stages:

• Mechanical or chemical (and in case of heavy contamination - both) cleaning of welded surfaces and heat-affected zones. It is necessary to clean the surface of a lot of mechanical impurities, oil stains and oxide films.
• The ground wire from the machine is connected to the workpieces being welded. It should be noted that the filler wire is not included in the electrical circuit.
• Depending on the thickness of the parts being welded, the operating current is selected and set at the current source.
• 10-25 seconds before ignition of the arc, gas is supplied to the working area by opening the valve on the cylinder. It is important to remember that you can turn off the gas supply only 5-15 seconds after finishing the next seam.

Argon welding process

• A torch with an electrode protruding 2-5 mm should be brought to the start of the seam, as close as possible to the parts, but without touching them. The best gap at which a neat and reliable seam is obtained is approximately two millimeters.
• The filler wire should be held in front of the torch and moved smoothly along the weld line together. It is very important to insert the wire into the work area carefully and smoothly to avoid metal spatter.
• The arc is ignited without contact between the electrode and the workpiece. To do this, an oscillator is added to the circuit, generating powerful pulses with a voltage of 2 to 6 kilovolts and a frequency of up to 500 kilohertz. These pulses carry out electrical breakdown of the gas layer between the electrode and the mass.

To obtain a reliable seam, you need to choose the right argon welding modes. The key parameters are:

• Alternating or direct current.
• Welding voltage polarity.
• Operating current value.
• Argon supply rate.

Thus, alternating current is used to connect light metals, such as magnesium or aluminum. Repeated reversal of polarity destroys the film of oxides that constantly covers their surface.

Selecting a mode for argon arc welding

The role of the oscillator is not limited to the initial ignition of the arc. When working with alternating current, in order to avoid attenuation of the electric arc at the moment of polarity change, it continues to send high-frequency pulses into the welding circuit.

The operating current is determined based on several parameters:

• The metal or pair of metals being welded.
• Thickness and dimensions of parts.
• Electrode thickness.

To facilitate this choice, there are special reference tables in the professional literature and in the welding machine user manual.

The argon supply rate is set based on the following factors:

• Welding speed and filler wire feed.
• The speed of movement of air masses in the work area.

Gas consumption at direct and alternating current

If there are drafts or welding in the open air, it will be necessary to compensate for the carried argon by increasing the supply. In case of strong gusts of wind, special nozzles with mesh meshes are used to supply argon.

In addition, when working outdoors or in cases where it is not possible to completely clean the surface of the workpiece from contaminants, a small proportion of oxygen (up to 5%) is included in the working mixture to burn out impurities or turn them into slag. This principle is not applicable when working with copper, since as a result of a chain of chemical reactions the seam becomes porous and fragile.

Advantages and disadvantages

The obvious advantages of the method include:

• High quality and durable seam
• The low degree of heating of the workpieces makes it possible to weld structures of complex shapes without deformation.
• The ability to weld materials that are chemically active when heated, which can be difficult or impossible to join in other ways.
• Increased operating speed due to high arc temperature.

In addition to the listed advantages, the method also has disadvantages:

• Complexity of the hardware complex and its settings
• High requirements for welder qualifications and skills

The disadvantages of this technology are:

• use of complex welding equipment;
• the need for special knowledge and sufficient experience in performing such work.

Argon arc welding makes it possible to make strong and durable seams, characterized by high uniformity of penetration of the welded workpieces. It allows you to weld both thin-walled and thick-walled structures made of non-ferrous metals in various combinations.

The use of argon welding allows us to obtain high-quality and reliable welded joints, characterized by uniform penetration of the parts being connected. Using argon arc welding with a consumable electrode, it is possible to weld parts made of non-ferrous metals of small thickness even without the use of filler wire.

Types of welding equipment

Several types of equipment are used for argon welding:

• Manual process - the welder holds the torch and filler material.
• Semi-automatic process - filler material and gas are supplied automatically to the torch, which the master guides along the seam manually.
• A completely mechanized process - there is no person in the work area, the supply of filler material and the operation of the burner are carried out by the operator remotely.
• Robotic process - the operator only enters the program, and the CNC system executes it.

The great advantage of the method is the ability to join materials that are difficult to weld with other methods.

This could be dissimilar metals in production, or a pipe joint in a home heating system.

Operating principle of welding equipment

The hardware complex for welding in argon includes:

• The welding machine is an inverter or semi-automatic device that develops an operating voltage of 60-70 V. It is possible to use a welding transformer or rectifier.
• An oscillator is a pulse generator with a voltage of 2-6 kilovolts and a frequency of 150 to 500 kilohertz. Serves to ignite the electric arc and maintain it when operating with alternating current.
• A device for supplying gas to the work area, including a cylinder, a reducer and a hose attached to the burner.
• Ceramic burner.
• Infusible electrode and filler material.

Tig welding process

Before welding begins, the operating parameters are adjusted and the parts are cleaned. The welder takes the torch in his right hand, and the filler wire, which is not part of the electrical circuit, in his left hand. 15-20 seconds before starting work, you need to supply gas to the beginning of the seam using a valve or argon supply button.

The electrode is brought to a distance of about two millimeters to the workpieces without touching the metal. Voltage is applied to the electrode. This is convenient to do with a foot switch. The oscillator emits a series of pulses and breaks down the gas gap, igniting the arc.

Tungsten electrodes for argon welding

The master smoothly, without jerking or touching the electrode, inserts the wire into the work area, the wire melts and fills the space between the workpieces being joined, forming the seam material. At the same time, you need to move the torch along the trajectory of the seam and supply the filler material. Manual welding requires excellent coordination of movements and a good eye.

Argon grades used in welding

State Standard 10157-79 defines three grades of argon for use in welding:

• A - contains 99.99% argon, used for working with chemically active and rare metals, such as titanium or zirconium, and for final welding of particularly important structures.
• B - contains 99.96% argon, used for working with aluminum and magnesium alloys and other materials exposed to gases soluble in the metal.
• B - contains 99.90% argon, used for working on stainless steel, alloyed high-strength and heat-resistant steels, as well as pure aluminum.

Technical characteristics of argon for welding

All argon produced by industry is certified according to one of three grades.

Do-it-yourself welding work

It is quite possible for a home craftsman who has sufficient knowledge and skills in the field of electrical engineering, welding and plumbing to independently assemble a hardware complex for manual argon arc welding.

To do this you will need:

• Transformer with ammeter to monitor operating current.
• A switch, or contactor, that supplies voltage to the electrode.
• An oscillator with an inductive-capacitive filter and a relay for turning it on.
• Argon supply regulator.
• Argon burner.
• Cylinder, reducer and gas hose.
• Tungsten electrodes of various diameters.

Source: https://stankiexpert.ru/spravochnik/svarka/svarka-argonom.html

Argon welding: principle of operation, what is needed, what can be welded with argon-arc welding

The operating principle of argon welding combines the features of joining metals using electric and gas welding equipment. The process involves an inert gas, represented by argon. The technology allows you to work with aluminum, copper, cast iron, other metals, as well as stainless steel.

Principle of operation

The method involves creating high temperature using an electric arc. At the same time, the welding area is forcibly filled with argon, which displaces oxygen, isolates it from the external environment, and serves as protection against corrosion.

When using a non-consumable electrode, the arc is ignited without its contact with the product. The high ionization potential of the inert gas prevents the ionization of the arc gap due to a spark in the electrode-product gap. In the case of a consumable electrode, the arc is ignited by a spark due to the low ion potential of iron vapor compared to an inert gas.

When touching the metal being welded, the tungsten electrode becomes dirty and melts. The ignition problem is solved by introducing an oscillator into the power circuit. Excitation of the arc gap is ensured by pulses with high voltage. When working with alternating current, having ionized the arc, the oscillator is converted into a stabilizer. Its short pulses prevent deionization of the arc gap when the polarity changes.

When argon-arc welding of objects with a thickness of over 3 mm, as well as to strengthen the seam, filler rods (wire) are used, which match the material of the product.

Classification of species

Technologically, argon arc welding differs in the types of electrodes, and in terms of power supply - constant or alternating voltage. According to the level of mechanization, it is divided into:

• manual. The welder directs the torch and feeds the wire manually;
• mechanized. The torch is moved by the welder, and the welding wire is fed by a special mechanism;
• automated. A mechanical device controlled by the operator is responsible for moving the torch and feeding the wire;
• robotic. Equipment operating according to the programmed program does not require human presence.

The first two types, in addition to industry, are used in everyday life. Automated systems are used in large enterprises.

What can you cook?

Argon welding is used when working with non-ferrous metals, alloys, and alloy steel. Control of the melting depth makes it effective for thin-walled products, when only one-way access to the surface of the object is possible. The method is widely used in the automotive and aviation industries. It is in demand in areas where high-quality welds are required.

Equipment and facilities

Welding work using argon is carried out using universal, special equipment. The industry has established serial production of universal devices of various capacities and purposes. The production version of argon-arc welding involves the organization of a “welding station”, which includes:

• DC/AC power source;
• burners for working with different electrodes;
• a triggering device that ignites the arc with direct current or stabilizes it with alternating current (oscillator);
• welding cycle control equipment;
• a device that allows you to compensate and regulate the direct current component;
• gas station (argon cylinder equipped with a pressure sensor);
• ventilation.

In the modern version, most of these devices (except burners) are combined in one device called an inverter. Due to its accessibility, the device is popular in everyday life.

Welding technique

Before welding with argon, you need to acquire an inverter or a special welding transformer, an argon cylinder, a torch, and filler materials. The process obeys the following rules:

1. The area is thoroughly cleaned of contaminants and degreased.
2. Gas is supplied 20 seconds before the start of welding work, and is turned off 10 seconds after the process is completed.
3. A minimal arc is the key to high-quality welding and a neat seam. The further the torch is from the surface to be welded, the wider the heating area and the deeper the penetration of the surface of the welded product.
4. To obtain the aesthetics of the seam, movements are made along its axis without deviations.
5. The filler rod (wire) is fed in front of the torch with the exception of transverse movements. Thanks to this, a narrow seam is achieved.
6. The electrode and additive must not leave the protective gas zone.
7. Smooth movements eliminate sparks and metal spattering.
8. The process ends with filling the crater, which is done at a reduced current. Abrupt withdrawal of the torch and interruption of the arc negatively affect the protection of the seam.

Learning to use argon welding is not difficult. However, to get perfect joints and seams you need to be patient.

Modes

To select the optimal argon-arc welding mode, the argon welder has to operate with many parameters. When setting up welding equipment, the following are taken into account:

1. The type of current is direct (alternating is used for welding work with aluminum, beryllium, magnesium, and their alloys).
2. The polarity of the current is straight.
3. Current strength - selected taking into account the material being welded and the diameter of the electrode.
4. Arc voltage - affects the length of the arc, the width of the seam, and the depth of penetration.
5. The speed of the process is selected individually.
6. Argon consumption depends on the volume and duration of work.
7. Distance between the tip of the electrode and the additive - butt welding: 3–5 mm, corner, T-joints: 5–8 mm.

When welding using argon-arc methods, do not forget about the protective equipment represented by a mask and gloves. Although the method does not produce excessive smoke, it is best done in a well-ventilated area.

Source: https://TehnoPanorama.ru/instrumenty/argonovaya-svarka.html

How to cook aluminum with argon

15.04.2019

There are several ways to permanently connect this capricious material; each has advantages and disadvantages. But reliable and aesthetic seams that do not require additional processing are created only by welding aluminum with argon. The success of the work is determined by the correct choice of equipment, consumables and knowledge of the nuances of the method.

Necessary equipment and materials

To operate, you will need a device that produces alternating current, since welding aluminum with direct current using the argon method cannot be carried out. The best option would be an inverter with a TIG mode and a set of options allowing:

• ignite an arc without contact;
• weld a crater at the end of the seam;
• adjust current balance;
• set the period of time during which the argon supply continues after the arc is turned off.

To reduce gas consumption for welding aluminum, you need to acquire a torch with a gas lens (collet holder), inside of which a mesh is placed. When argon passes through the cells, protection of the welding site is improved at lower consumption. To install lenses, nozzles of several diameters are available; the larger the size, the more reliable the protection.

Source: https://svarkaprosto.ru/tehnologii/kak-varit-alyuminij-argonom

How to perform argon welding yourself?

In production, situations often arise when it is necessary to join metals and alloys that cannot be welded using conventional methods. In this case, argon welding is used. When using this technology, you need to take into account certain features and choose the right equipment.

What is argon welding?

Argon welding is the joining of metal parts by heating in a protective gas atmosphere. The name of the technology comes from the gas used - argon. It protects the working area from the formation of an oxide film, which allows joining alloys and homogeneous metals. Oxidation begins after the treated surface interacts with air. Argon prevents the flow of oxygen into the work area. Thanks to this, you can effectively connect non-ferrous metals and different types of steel.

There are three types of welding, which differ in the tool and source used:

1. Manual. With this method of connecting parts, tungsten electrodes are used.
2. Auto. It is necessary to use non-melting elements.
3. Semi-automatic.

When creating seams, consumable electrodes, tungsten rods, and filler wire can be used.

Technology

Argon welding is a technology that requires compliance with certain rules:

1. When welding parts, you need to hold the tungsten electrode as close to the work surface as possible, but not touch it. If you make a large arc, the welding will be shallow and the seam will expand.
2. When creating a strong deep weld seam, you only need to make longitudinal movements. With lateral deviations, the quality of the connection will deteriorate.
3. Using a consumable filler wire or tungsten electrode, you need to keep them in the gas coverage area.
4. The filler wire must be fed evenly. If the metal is fed quickly, it will spatter, which will complicate the welding process.
5. The filler wire must be fed at an angle.
6. You need to start welding 20 seconds after opening the gas cylinder. Stop - 15 seconds before closing the valve of the argon cylinder. This is due to the fact that oxygen can enter the area of ​​molten metal and deteriorate the quality of the connection.

To protect the surface from “craters,” the current must be reduced at the end of the seam. This is done using a rheostat. If you simply move the burner up or to the side, oxygen will enter the connection and an oxide film will form.

What equipment is needed?

Initially, you need to select equipment and consumables for joining metal workpieces. These include argon for welding, which is pumped into gas cylinders, a device that generates welding current, and tungsten or consumable electrodes.

Gas cylinder for argon welding

Types of welding machines

There are 4 types of welding equipment:

1. Automatic - a technology that involves automatic supply of gas, filler wire or tungsten electrode. The equipment is controlled by the operator.
2. Mechanized - implies automatic supply of filler wire. The welder must hold the torch in the desired position.
3. Robotic is modern equipment that operates automatically. Requires initial program setup and algorithm specification.
4. Manual is a classic tool that requires the participation of a welder.

The choice of equipment for argon welding depends on the availability of capabilities and the required performance.

Welders

In stores you can find a number of welding machines that allow you to weld with argon in production or in private workshops. Purchased equipment can be divided into several groups:

• special devices;
• special;
• universal.

How to cook?

Do-it-yourself argon welding involves following a certain technological process. It consists of several stages:

1. Prepare your work surfaces. Remove any layer of dirt, plaque, or rust from them.
2. Degrease the parts.
3. Set up the welding machine.
4. Turn on the gas supply. After 20 seconds, strike the arc.
5. Towards the end of the seam, reduce the current. After the arc dies out, leave the gas open for another 10 seconds.

It is important to make uniform movements and maintain a short arc length.

Argon welding is a technological process of joining metal parts, which occurs under the protection of inert gas. In this way, you can work with various metals and alloys, avoiding the formation of an oxide film.

How to perform argon welding yourself? Link to main publication

Source: https://metalloy.ru/obrabotka/svarka/argonnaya

How to cook with argon? Process description and instructions

Argon welding can protect metal surfaces from the penetration of oxygen and harmful impurities. It ensures a high-quality seam and also preserves all the physical characteristics of the metal. At the same time, the consumption of argon is significantly lower than when using other welding equipment.

Argon belongs to the category of inert gases, therefore, in the environment it does not combine with external gases and alloys.

Many people wonder how to cook aluminum or stainless steel with argon. The technique will be described in this article.

How is aluminum welded?

How to cook aluminum with argon? It should be noted that when working with this metal, you cannot do without this type of welding, since it ignites from oxygen. This method ensures a high-quality seam. The arc is formed using a tungsten-based electrode. Such an electrode can last a long time.

An arc is ignited between the tungsten electrode and the part to be welded. Aluminum wire is fed into the combustion zone. Welding is performed in a narrow area with rapid movement of the electrode. This prevents the aluminum from melting.

For a weld to be of high quality, the wire must have exactly the same structure as the metal being welded.

An argon machine for aluminum welding includes the following components:

• current power supply;
• argon cylinder;
• device for feeding filler wire.

Aluminum surface preparation

Is it possible to cook an uncleaned surface with argon? Dirt, grease and machine oil must be removed from aluminum. This can be done using a solvent. If the thickness of the parts to be welded is more than 4 mm, then it is necessary to cut the edges.

Experts advise welding aluminum in sheets 4 mm thick only end-to-end.

Before starting to weld aluminum, the master should ask what the thickness of the sheet and the width of the edges are. Edge protection is carried out with a file or emery machine. If the part has a complex shape, then the welding site should be cleaned using a grinding machine. The oxide film is removed from the aluminum surface.

Pros and cons of welding aluminum with argon

Welding aluminum products in an argon environment has a number of advantages compared to other methods. The weld has the same penetration depth along its entire length.

The disadvantages of this type of welding include the complexity of the equipment. When welding with argon, precise adjustment of all elements of the device is necessary. The wire should be fed into the working area gradually. For this purpose, the feeder is correctly configured.

If the wire is fed irregularly, the arc will burn intermittently. This will cause increased consumption of argon and electrical energy. For high-quality welding of aluminum, the master must have the necessary experience.

Theoretical knowledge and advice will not be useful in this matter.

Preparation for argon welding of stainless steel

It’s clear how to cook aluminum with argon. What rules should be followed when working with stainless steel? To weld this type of metal you will need:

• welding machine;
• electrodes selected in accordance with the characteristics of the material;
• stainless steel wire;
• steel brush;
• solvent.

Before welding the parts, their edges are processed. An important principle should be observed: to ensure free shrinkage of the seam, a small gap is made when creating a welded joint.

Before work, the surface of the edges is cleaned. For this purpose, use a steel brush. The edges are also washed with solvent. You can use acetone or aviation gasoline. This treatment will remove fat from the surface of the stainless steel, which can cause a decrease in the stability of the arc during welding. This will cause pores to appear on the seam.

Argon welding using a melting electrode

How to cook with argon using melting electrodes? Welding stainless steel using coated electrodes makes it possible to obtain high-strength seams. If you do not have high requirements for the quality of the connection, then you should use argon welding.

The assortment includes a fairly wide range of electrodes. Each of them is designed for a specific type of stainless steel. If the master knows the type of steel being welded, he can easily select the desired type. Electrodes should be selected that will not reduce the corrosion resistance of the material and its mechanical properties.

As a rule, work is carried out using a reverse constant level. It is necessary to work so that weld penetration occurs to a lesser extent. For this purpose, small-diameter electrodes are used. You should strive to ensure that thermal energy is released in small quantities. Professionals in the field of welding note that when working with stainless steel, you should use 20% less electricity than when welding ordinary steel.

The electrodes have low thermal conductivity and high electrical resistance. For this reason, the use of high currents is unacceptable. If this rule is violated, the electrodes will be subject to overheating and destruction. For this reason, electrodes for stainless steel melt faster than those used to weld ordinary steels.

To maintain the resistance of the weld to rust, you need to make it cool quickly. For example, this can be achieved using a copper or air gasket. If stainless steel belongs to the category of chromium-nickel metals, then it can be cooled with water.

How to cook stainless steel with a tungsten electrode?

How to cook stainless steel with argon using tungsten electrodes? It should be noted that this method is applicable if it is necessary to weld an object made of the finest stainless steel and obtain high-quality welds. For example, argon welding using tungsten electrodes is suitable for stainless steel pipes through which gases or liquids are transported under pressure.

How to cook stainless steel with argon? The work is carried out when supplying alternating or direct current. Alternating type is suitable for aluminum welding.

Before you start working, you need to prepare the filler wire for work. It would be good if it had a higher level of alloying than stainless steel or aluminum. When working with a tungsten electrode, do not make oscillatory movements. They cause a violation of the protective space of the welding zone; the weld metal will be susceptible to oxidation. The reverse side of the weld is protected from air by blowing argon.

Tungsten should not enter the welding bath. You can use non-contact arc ignition. It can also be ignited on a plate of coal or graphite and then transferred to the base metal.

Upon completion of the process, do not turn off the argon supply immediately. This should be done in about 15 seconds. In this way, excessive oxidation of the hot working electrode can be avoided. This way it can last longer.

How to weld stainless steel semi-automatically in argon?

How to cook stainless steel with argon using a semi-automatic machine. This welding method has become widespread because it provides a high level of productivity and produces strong welds. To improve the quality of welding, nickel is added to the wire.

This type of welding is suitable for joining thick materials. In this case, welding will proceed very quickly. Thus, the level of productivity increases. The protective medium in this case is a mixture of carbon dioxide and argon.

A number of techniques are used to weld stainless steel semi-automatically:

• welding using a short arc;
• welding by jet transfer;
• use of pulse mode.

Jet transfer is used for welding metals of large thickness, and a short arc is used to connect thinner objects.

The advantage of the pulse method is that this process is the most controllable. The wire metal is fed into the pulse welding bath. Each of them is a separate welding bead.

This mode helps to reduce the average value of the arc current, which is important when welding stainless steel. In pulsed mode, the metal practically does not splash.

This makes it possible to use materials economically and increase productivity by reducing the time required to clean a seam.

The article described how to cook aluminum and stainless steel with argon.

This type of welding is ideal for aluminum surfaces. There are also a number of different techniques for welding stainless steel using argon. Each master must choose the option that is suitable for a particular case.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/264856/kak-argonom-varit-opisanie-protsessa-i-instruktsiya

Argon welding - features, technique, principle of operation

Often there is a need to weld materials that cannot be joined with conventional types of welding, for example, aluminum, copper, titanium, and so on. Therefore, in order to create a durable one-piece structure from these metals, argon welding is used. What is argon welding and how does it work? These and other questions are answered in this article.

Features of argon cooking

The process - argon arc welding occurs in an environment of inert gas argon, hence the name of the welding process. The use of argon in welding when joining two metals is a protection against oxidation that can occur due to contact with oxygen in the air. That is, argon covers the welding zone and prevents oxygen from penetrating into the area of ​​the mating surfaces.

The welding mode itself can be performed manually, semi-automatically and automatically. There is a classification of modes that depend specifically on the methods described above and the type of electrode involved in the welding process. Two types of electrodes: consumable and non-consumable. The second type includes tungsten wire, with which you can guarantee a strong and reliable connection between two metals, even dissimilar ones.

So, classification of argon arc welding modes:

• Manual welding with argon, where a non-consumable electrode is used - its marking is RAD.
• Argon welding is automatic, where a non-consumable element is used - AMA.
• Automatic argon arc welding, which uses a consumable electrode - AADP.

Argon welding technique

Knowing some rules will make it easier to carry out the argon welding process and will allow you to achieve high quality welds.

• The longer the welding arc, the wider the seam and the shallower its depth, which reduces the quality of the seam joint. Therefore, it is recommended to keep the non-consumable electrode as close as possible to the joint of the parts being welded.
• To create a narrow and deep seam, you only need to adhere to the longitudinal movement of the electrode and the torch. Deviations to the side (lateral movements) reduce the quality of the welding joint. Therefore, when welding with argon, the welder needs to be careful and attentive.
• The filler wire and non-consumable electrode should be located only in the welding zone, covered with argon. This will prevent oxygen and nitrogen from penetrating into the zone.
• The filler wire should be fed smoothly and evenly. A sharp feed is the splashing of metal in large quantities. The application process is not the easiest, everything comes with experience.
• There is such an indicator - penetration. In argon welding, it is determined by the weld itself. If it has a round and convex shape, then this indicates its low quality. The surface penetration was insufficient.
• The filler wire is fed in front of the torch with a non-consumable electrode. In addition, it is fed at an angle. These requirements ensure the evenness of the weld seam and its small width. It’s just so convenient to control the welding process itself.
• You cannot start and stop welding with argon abruptly, because this opens the access of oxygen and nitrogen to the welding zone. Therefore, it is recommended to start welding after 15-20 seconds, as soon as the supply of inert gas to the joint of the two metals begins. And finish (remove the filler wire) before the burner is turned off. This usually takes 7-10 seconds.

Attention! The welding process must be completed by reducing the current using a rheostat, which is part of the welding machine. Simply retracting the burner means opening access to the nitrogen and oxygen welding zone.

The joints of the metal parts to be welded must be cleaned and degreased before starting work.

Argon welding modes

Argon welding will be carried out efficiently if the optimal process mode is chosen correctly.

• The choice of polarity and direction of the current will depend on the properties of the metals being welded. Thus, with steel structures in argon welding, direct current of direct polarity is used. For welding aluminum or beryllium, direct current of reverse polarity is used.
• The strength of the current being welded is selected based on three components: the diameter of the electrode used, the type of metal of the parts being welded and their thickness, and polarity. The relationship of all parameters is determined by table values. Some masters make their choice based on their own experience. Here is one of the tables that determines the operating mode of titanium argon arc welding.

Metal thickness, mmTungsten electrode diameter, mmCurrent strength, A

0,3-0,7	1,6	40
0,8-1,2	1,6	60-80
1,5-2,0	2	80-120
2,5-3,5	3	150-200

• As mentioned above, the shorter the welding arc, the better the quality of the seam. The same dependence of arc voltage and its length.
• The consumption of inert gas depends on the strength and uniformity of its flow leaving the burner. Experts recommend creating a laminar flow. That is, gas is supplied without pulsations.

Choosing the right mode is not an easy task. Therefore, even during the learning process, you need to study theory and master practical skills.