If you have invested in a multi-process welder, you can now tackle different kinds of welding processes using just a single machine. This might also be a good time to buy TIG welding rods for your welding supplies kit, so you can try your hand at tungsten inert gas or TIG welding.
Not sure how TIG welding compares with other welding methods like stick welding, flux-core welding and MIG welding? Let’s check out how they match up against one another to better understand why TIG welding rods may be the better choice in certain cases.
TIG Welding vs. Other Welding Methods
Over the years, welding has evolved to include different techniques for various use cases. Today, the four main types of welding processes used widely include:
- Stick welding
- Flux-core welding
- MIG welding
- TIG welding
Stick Welding:
One of the oldest welding techniques, stick welding involves the use of a flux-coated electrode (aka the stick). This electrode melts into the weld pool along with the metal workpieces, creating a sturdy joint when cooled.
While stick welding is cost-effective, it does not result in clean or precise welds, and it leaves behind a residue that needs to be cleaned out.
Flux-Core Welding:
Flux-core welding also involves the use of flux to shield the weld pool from atmospheric gasses and debris. However, unlike stick welding, this method uses electrodes that contain the flux material at the core. Aside from this key difference, flux-core welding works pretty much like stick welding.
Since the flux is within the electrode, this method can be performed outdoors without any hassle. The downside is that flux-core welding produces more smoke than other welding processes.
MIG Welding:
MIG or metal inert gas welding involves the use of a consumable metal electrode that also acts as the filler rod required to create the weld. Since there is no flux available, you need to use a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from external elements.
MIG welding produces stronger and better quality welds when compared with a stick or flux-core welding. However, due to the presence of shielding gas, it is difficult to perform the process outdoors.
TIG Welding:
TIG or tungsten inert gas welding is perhaps the most sophisticated welding method we have today. Here, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is required to generate the heat required to create the weld pool. As for the filler metal, however, you need to feed it into the weld pool manually. You also have a foot pedal to control the amount of heat that is generated in the weld pool.
The upside of TIG welding is the sheer quality of the welds it delivers. Not only are the welds aesthetically appealing, but they are also clean, strong and durable. However, TIG welding required a lot of practice to perfect, which is why only highly skilled operators can carry out this method successfully.
3 Reasons to Choose TIG Welding Rods
The comparison of different welding processes should give you a clear idea of how different TIG welding is from other welding methods. Consequently, using TIG welding rods in your welding practice gives you a host of advantages. Here are the top 3 reasons to choose TIG rods today.
- Greater Precision and Control
Using TIG welding rods gives you a high degree of precision and control of the process. You can control the amperage of the tungsten electrode using the foot pedal. This luxury is not available when you use MIG rods or rely on a stick or flux-core electrodes. Furthermore, TIG rods also allow for more precise welding because you feed the filler metal into the weld pool manually, using one hand. This way, you can adjust the speed and how the filler rod is added to the weld pool.
- Clean Weld Pool
When the TIG welding process is performed by seasoned welders, TIG welding rods result in little to no sparks or splatter. Unlike stick welding rods and flux-core rods, TIG welding rods do not have any flux within or on the outside. This means the amount of molten splatter is greatly reduced, resulting in a clean weld pool. There is no need to clean or sand the connected area after the welding process is complete.
- Versatile Welding Applications
TIG welding rods can be used in a wide range of welding applications on account of several reasons. Firstly, the durability of the non-consumable tungsten electrode means that you don’t have to swap it between different jobs. Secondly, TIG welding rods are available in various metals and alloy compositions, making them suitable for welding a vast number of metals, alloys and materials together. And lastly, TIG welding rods are also suitable for different welding positions such as vertical, horizontal, flat and overhead welds.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that TIG welding rods offer several benefits. If you are a seasoned welder with a fair share of experience, you can venture into the domain of tungsten inert gas welding too. Before you buy TIG welding rods, however, make sure you understand the different types of rods available and make an informed choice. This will ensure good weld quality and a clean finish in the final product.