Welding is a fascinating art and science that has been present for over a century. It involves joining two or more materials by melting and fusion to form a solid bond that is as strong as a single piece of material. Arc welding and TIG welding are two well-known welding techniques widely used across many industries. But what’s the difference between these two processes? Let’s explore!
Difference Between Arc Welding and TIG Welding
Technique
One of the most significant differences between arc welding and TIG welding is the type of technique involved in the process. Arc welding uses an electric arc to melt and join two materials. The welder uses a specially designed electrode that creates an arc, generating high heat to melt the material. On the other hand, TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create a high-temperature arc that melts the material. Unlike arc welding, TIG welding does not use a filler metal, so the welding is achieved through melting the materials alone.
Precision
Another major difference between the two is the precision of the welding process. TIG welders often require more skill and precision due to the detailed nature of the technique. TIG welding is frequently used to manufacture aircraft components, bicycle frames, and medical devices that require high precision and accuracy. In contrast, arc welding is commonly used in heavy industrial applications, such as shipbuilding and pipeline construction, where precision is less crucial than strength.
Welding Speed
The welding speed is another critical factor when comparing the two welding processes. Arc welding is a faster process because of the higher amperage levels it can use. TIG welding, however, is much slower due to its low heat input and requires more attention to ensure the right heat input for welding. While it may seem like TIG welding is an inferior process, this is not the case, as TIG welding provides better control and accuracy, which can result in higher-quality welds.
Materials
The type of material being welded is also an important factor to consider when selecting a welding process. Arc welding is primarily used for welding metals like steel, cast iron, and aluminium. The process is especially useful for heavy industrial applications as it can weld thick, heavy materials, such as pipes and plates. TIG welding, on the other hand, is commonly used for welding thinner materials, such as stainless steel and aluminium, where precision and accuracy are crucial.
Cost
The cost of welding is very important, especially when you are working on a budget. Arc welding is less expensive than TIG welding because it uses a consumable electrode and requires less skill and setup time, making it ideal for heavy industrial welding applications. TIG welding is costlier due to its high precision and accuracy, requiring more experience, skill, and time.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, comparing arc welding and TIG welding shows that they are two different processes used for welding materials, depending on the material type, size, and desired application. Arc welding is suited for larger, heavier welding jobs, while TIG welding is suitable for thinner materials, focusing on detailed and precise welding. While both processes differ in many ways, they are equally important and useful in their respective applications. We hope this article has helped you understand the differences between arc welding and TIG welding and how to use them in your welding projects.
