Love your gloves: Everything you wanted to know (but never asked) about welding glovesPulling on a pair of welding gloves, for manywelders, is like second nature. What may notbe second nature, however, is choosing theright glove to fit your needs of protection,comfort, and dexterity. Just as weldingprocesses differ, so do the gloves that arebest-suited for those processes.
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Specifying the sulfur content of 316L stainless steel for orbital welding: Weldability versus surface finishThe widespread use of autogenous (fusion) orbital gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the high-purity semiconductor and biopharmaceutical industries, combined with modern steel refining technology, has made it both desirable and practical to supply type 316L stainless steel with a restricted range of elemental sulfur.
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Welding zirconium and zirconium alloys: ArrayArray
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8 FAQs about orbital FCAW: Maximizing a productivity tool for large pipe weldingMechanized pipe GTAW was first introduced about 50 years ago for nuclear power plants, and then for steam-generation components and process piping. Orbital FCAW was developed to overcome the limitations of orbital GTAW for large-diameter, heavy-wall pipe. With orbital FCAW, deposition rates of 8 lbs./hr. are achievable. Just as a power saw is a tool for a carpenter, orbital welding systems are a productivity tool for the welder that empower him or her to weld faster and more accurately.
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Welding zirconium and zirconium alloys Part II: Part II: Welding technique, procedures, and quality testingLike welding of other metals, welding zirconium successfully depends on correct application of electrical characteristics, wire feed, interpass cleaning, preheating, and heat input. Understanding the resulting surface color is key in knowing whether the weld was performed successfully or if it requires repair.
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Preparing for aluminum GTAW: Proper equipment setup and workplace preparation reduce defectsThere are right ways and wrong ways to set up welding equipment to accommodate the aluminum GTAW process. Welders should know how to troubleshoot this commonly used process and be familiar with how to solve some common welding problems.
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Choosing tungsten electrode type, size for aluminum GTAW |
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Inverter versus transformer power supplies for aluminum GTAW |
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Preventing porosity in humid environments |
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Secrets of Using GTAW for Tools and Dies: One retired fabricator share the basics of how he added this services to his shopTool and die welding can be a very lucrative service for a fab shop. However, tool and die welders are about as rare as brain surgeons because of a general lack of knowledge about the process and because of the extra expense it brings to a shop. This article offers a basic understanding of what's needed to add this service to your fab shop.
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Selecting a GTAW power source: Factors to considerThe author is an end-user of power sources who shares his knowledge of how to pick a GTAW power source for an application. He considers the application, materials to be welded, power requirements, usage, time constraints, and additional capacity.
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Efficient use of compressed gases can increase productivity: Part I. Overview of compressed gases used in the metal fabrication industryThe metal fabrication industry has used compressed gases for more than one hundred years. Oxy-fuel cutting and welding have existed since the beginning of the 20th century. The more automatic welding processes, such as gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), began as early as 1920.
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Optimize your plasma performance: 10 steps to proper torch setup, maintenancePlasma arc welding (PAW) uses plasma, a gas that has been heated to a high temperature and ionized. The plasma becomes electrically conductive, transferring an electric arc to the workpiece through a small orifice.
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10 frequently asked GTAW questions: Answers and explanations for precision welding |
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99% GTAW, 100% RAD: Aesthetic welds drive classic cars |
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Using AC for Al: How alternating current is employed in orbital GTAW |
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TIG welding - an overviewWelding instructor Marty Rice explains the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process, more commonly known as tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.
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Getting the needed fixtures: Product proliferation at Woods Equipment Co. drives move to modular welding fixturingWoods Equipment Co. builds a variety of attachments and implements for agricultural, landscape, and construction vehicles. In a search to increase the productivity of its welding efforts amidst an ever-growing product line, the company discovered modular welding tables from Bluco Corp.
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The shocking truth about welding: A closer look at TIGWelding instructor Marty Rice explains how welding power current works and how failing to follow safety practices can have shocking results. He also expands upon the information contained in "TIG welding—An overview"and discusses TIG qualities, applications, hazards, and the best way to learn TIG.
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Guidelines for tungsten electrodes: Identifying, selecting, and preparing tungsten electrodesChoosing one of the six commonly available tungsten electrodes is a crucial first step in successful gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). In addition, tip preparation is critical. The electrode choices are pure tungsten, 2 percent thoriated, 2 percent ceriated, 1.5 percent lanthanated, zirconiated, and rare earth. The end preparations are balled, pointed, and truncated.
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Starting a portable GTAW business: ArrayArray
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Joining GMAW and GTAW: Hybrid welding takes on a whole new meaning with new technology developmentsOne form of hybrid welding combines both GMAW with a GTAW process in a welding torch. An electronic interface unit containing a plasma power supply controls the hybrid process. Research has indicated that such an approach to welding leads to faster welding times, deep penetration, and cleaner welds when compared with conventional GMAW technology.
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Welding austenitic stainless steel: Tips for optimal GTAW performanceJoining austenitic stainless steel with GTAW can be tricky, but with a little preparation and care, it can be done successfully. The three main factors are having the right amount of heat input, travel speed, and a shielding gas.
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Let 'er rip: College students learn real-world skills in vehicle fabrication competitionBob Hollingsworth, a member of Practical Welding Today's advisory board, details the journey of the 2006 Western Washington University Mini Baja vehicle fabrication team and their quest to build a winning off-road, student-designed racing machine.
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Fabricator finds new opportunities in energy sector: Green applications for advanced pulsed GMAW |
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Obtenga la conexión: 5 consejos prácticos para conectar su antorcha de GTAWEl gran nmero de adaptadores, conectores y acopladores involucrados con la soldadura TIG, o con la soldadura por arco de tungsteno con gas (GTAW, por sus siglas en ingls), puede ser abrumador. Adems, los fabricantes de equipo de soldadura han hecho muchos cambios a su equipo a lo largo de los aos. Estos consejos prcticos le ayudarn a aliviar algunos problemas comunes en la GTAW.
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The whats, whys, and whens of GTAWMore difficult to learn than some welding processes, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) can be used to weld a greater range of materials than most other processes. This article explains GTAW, examines its advantages and disadvantages, describes appropriate and inappropriate applications, and discusses how important cleanliness is in GTAW
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Up to speed: Welders at Penske Racing strive for strength and safetyThe success of a racecar depends heavily on the quality of its welds. The welding team for Penske Racing's NASCAR® automobiles must stay on top of their game to ensure that their vehicle is not only fast but safe. This article provides a brief look at Penske Racing and describes how its welders push toward the fast track to success and safety.
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Virtually welding: Training in a virtual environment gives welding students a leg upToday several companies offer technologies that help beginning welders get that hand motion just right. None claims that the technology will replace the real thing, of course, but they do say that training in the virtual world can give students a significant leg up by the time they weld for the first time. It helps teach students what really happens between the welding arc and workpiece, why certain hand motions produce good beads while other motions don't. And it also may help introduce welding to students who wouldn't have given the trade a second thought.
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The facts on welding titanium: American Welding Society D1.9 Structural Welding Code is a new tool for welders' toolboxesA new resource tool takes away the guesswork and the apprehension when welding titanium: The American Welding Society (AWS) D1.9/D1.9M Structural Welding Code—Titanium. Released in July 2007, the code goes beyond the limitations of previous documents by providing the information required to engineer a structural titanium product from start to finish.
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Learning TIGThink you want to learn TIG welding, also known as GTAW? To master the craft and avoid injury, it's imperative that you receive proper instruction. TIG is not a process that lends itself to self-teaching. This overview compares TIG with other welding processes and outlines some important steps of the process.
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Modified GMAW for root passes: Modified process improves results on stainless, carbon steel pipeMany fabrication shops that do a lot of stainless steel tube and pipe welding are in a bit of trouble these days. The problem isn't a lack of work, of course—it's a matter of trying to handle too much work with too few resources (skilled welders). They can ask their fabricators to work harder or faster, but that goes only so far. Can a new technology help them get more output from their existing employee base?
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GTAW the thin line: Best practices prevent common problems when welding thin materialGas tungsten arc welding thin metals can bring up an array of problems. Fortunately, best practices can prevent those problems from occurring in the first place.
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The root causes of weld defects: Poor procedures, design lead to welding problems on the floorBad welds can be traced back to poor workmanship, poor design, or a little of both.
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TIG for titanium tubing: Success hinges on filler metal selection, cleanness, gas coverageAlthough titanium has a reputation for being difficult to weld, it doesn't have to be problematic. Paying close attention to filler metal selection, cleanness, and use of the shielding gas are three steps to successful GTAW on titanium tube and pipe.
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Tips for TIG torches: Simplifying torch assemblyProper installation of GTAW torches—whether air- or water-cooled—is just one bullet on a long list of reasons that GTAW is so complex. The best way to simplify torch installation is to become familiar with the components and how to assemble them properly.
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GTAW common joint designsUnderstanding common gas tungsten arc weld (GTAW) joints, knowing when to use them, and mastering the proper method for each can help you achieve better welds. This article focuses on butt, corner, and T joints and discusses considerations such as material type and thickness.
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Welding for all seasons: American Heli-Arc welds for general industry, racing, and even artTom Young has lived an unconventional life full of opportunities that happened because he could do what others could not: He could weld.
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It takes two, baby: Hybrid laser welding processes make strides in manufacturingHybrid laser-arc welding has been around for a while, but only recently has it gained steam, with more industries turning to the technology for a faster way to make components lighter with less heat input and minimal distortion while still maintaining part tolerance.
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GTAW la delgada linea: Las mejores practicas evitan problemas al soldar material delgado |
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Robotic GTAW or GMAW: No longer a clear-cut choice: Gas tungsten arc welding has become easier to automate, while gas metal arc welding robots are starting to produce GTAW-quality resultsArray
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One size does notfit all: Application needs drive welding system developmentFewer skilled welders combined with an ever-increasing range of welding applications have created a demand for more precise, application-specific welding systems. Equipment suppliers now are tailoring systems for different applications, and fabricators are embracing the new technology.
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Starting a portable GTAW business Part II: Know your customers: Part II: Know your customersThinking about starting your own portable GTAW business? This installment in a series about this topic focuses on the potential customer base and the welding repair needs of specific segments. It also offers pricing tips for various jobs.
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Starting a portable GTAW business Part III: Dos and Don'ts: Part III: Dos and Don'tsThis article is part of a four-part series about establishing a portable GTAW business. It covers the dos and don'ts of business practices, safety, and welding, and includes tips that can help you retain customers and grow your business. Following these practical guidelines can help your business succeed.
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Starting a portable GTAW business Part IV: Stainless steel, aluminum tips: Part IV: Stainless steel, aluminum tipsThis article, the last of a four-part series about establishing a portable GTAW business, covers helpful tips for working with stainless steel and aluminum, including weld prep and the proper welding techniques. It also offers advice about hiring help and purchasing liability insurance for your business.
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One size does not fit all: Application needs drive welding system developmentFewer skilled welders combined with an ever-increasing range of welding applications have created a demand for more precise, application-specific welding systems. Equipment suppliers now are tailoring systems for different applications, and fabricators are embracing the new technology.
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Eagles, dragons: Stainless steel takes on many forms: Artist uses GTAW to create 'shock and awe' artMetal fabricator Kevin Stone uses gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) to sculpt massive pieces of art from stainless steel. Read about Stone's creative and technical processes and discover important tips that can improve your stainless steel welding.
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Automation in tube and pipe welding: Robots make sense for many reasonsRobots make a lot of sense for tube and pipe welding. The return on investment for a typical robot system can be seen usually within six to 24 months, depending on the parts, complexity of the system, and learning curve of the manufacturer. Quality improvements are typically seen immediately. In addition, by tracking the process, manufacturers can make changes to improve production time and determine the throughput of the system for accurate part production projections.
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Robotic GTAW: Manual GTAW developments advance automated processRobotic GTAW is a little-known process that has made significant advancements recently, thanks in part to the advancements made to manual GTAW that have made it more user-friendly and compatible with the environment. Applications that were once nearly impossible to accomplish can be handled with relative ease with modern GTAW systems. Even today robotic GTAW continues to improve and advance into new fields to create a better future for the welding industry.
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Efficient shielding gas supply methodsThe introduction of gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) in the 1940s changed the way metals were joined. The automation of these processes meant the gas supply system also had to be automated to achieve optimal productivity.
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Caring for your contact tips: How to maximize contact tip life, process stability for GMAW |
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Simplifying shielding gas selection: How different gases and gas blends affect your welding application |
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How to choose the consumables you use: ArrayArray
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A shielding gas primer for GTAW: Gas selection and optimizationWith so many blends of shielding gas available, it can be a difficult task to determine which gas or gas blend best suits a particular GTAW application. To simplify that task, you must first understand the distinct properties that each gas or gas mixture brings to the table and how best to optimize the mixture once it's been determined.
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How to choose the consumables you use - Part II: Consumables for GTAWSeveral small but crucial components—back caps, collets and collet bodies, gas lenses, and nozzles—are key components in enhancing GTAW productivity. These components are available in a variety of styles and sizes. Optimizing these consumables can help to optimize welder uptime.
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