Which shielding gas is typically used in GTAW for welding metals?

In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), argon is the most commonly used shielding gas because of its inert properties, which effectively protect the weld area from contamination by atmospheric gases such as oxygen and nitrogen. The use of argon helps maintain the purity of the welding arc and the weld pool, contributing to a clean, high-quality weld finish.

Argon is particularly beneficial when welding non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and magnesium, as it provides excellent arc stability and produces less splatter compared to other gases. Additionally, argon is relatively inexpensive and widely available, making it a practical choice for various welding applications.

While helium can also be used as a shielding gas in GTAW, it is generally less common than argon due to its higher cost and different welding characteristics. Helium does provide deeper penetration and is sometimes chosen for specific applications, but for typical situations, argon remains the preferred option. Other gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide are not suitable for GTAW applications because they are reactive and can compromise the quality of the weld.