Welding at the highest level: Focus on welding gases from Air Liquide
Welding gases are not just a simple component of the welding process, but one of the most important keys to the quality of the end result. Only with a gas that is perfectly matched to the material being welded and the welding process used can reliable, high-quality weld seams be achieved – and thus the required connection between the workpieces.
In welding, gases are mainly used as shielding gases to protect the weld site from harmful influences in the ambient air. Inert gases such as argon and helium, as well as active gases such as carbon dioxide, are particularly useful here. These gases prevent oxidation of the molten pool, enabling clean, strong and precise weld seams.
Various welding processes, such as metal inert gas (MIG) and metal active gas (MAG) welding, use specific shielding or inert gases to optimise the quality of the welded joint. Inert gases are particularly unreactive and thus prevent the molten pool from interacting with the environment. Protective gases, on the other hand, can also contain active components that influence the properties of the weld seam.
Air Liquide is your reliable partner in this complex and technically demanding environment. With decades of experience and a broad portfolio of specially developed welding gases, Air Liquide helps welding professionals take their work to the next level. From selecting the right gas to providing technical advice, Air Liquide is at your side to ensure that your welding project meets the highest standards.
Shielding gas vs. inert gas
In welding, shielding and inert gases not only influence the quality of the weld seam, but also the efficiency of the entire welding process. But what exactly are shielding gases and inert gases – and how do they differ?
What is shielding gas?
Shielding gas is the generic term for a specially selected gas or gas mixture used in various welding processes. One of the most important effects of shielding gas is that it protects the weld area from the effects of the surrounding air. Shielding gas prevents oxidation of the molten pool and the incorporation of impurities into the weld seam. Shielding gases commonly used in welding are argon, helium, carbon dioxide or mixtures of these gases. They form a protective atmosphere around the weld site, thereby stabilising the arc. This enables higher welding speeds, reduces spatter and improves the quality of the weld seam by minimising the formation of pores, cracks and other bonding defects.
Advantages of shielding gas
The biggest advantages of shielding gas include:
- Improved welding quality: The gases prevent the molten pool from coming into contact with the surrounding air, reducing oxidation and the incorporation of impurities.
- Higher welding speeds: Higher welding speeds can be achieved by using gases.
- Versatility: Shielded gas welding is suitable for a wide range of metals and alloys.
- Reduced reworking: As the gases minimise the formation of spatter and slag, less reworking of the workpieces is required.
- Better visibility: The gases reduce the formation of smoke and vapour during welding. This results in fewer harmful influences in the welder's breathing area.
What is inert gas?
Inert gas is a gas that is characterised by its low reactivity with other chemical substances. In welding technology, special gases such as argon and helium are used as shielding gases to isolate the weld site from the reactive ambient air. They form a protective atmosphere around the weld pool and prevent oxidation and contamination of the weld metal. Since inert gases do not react with metals, the composition of the weld metal remains unchanged, resulting in clean, high-quality welds. Inert gases are used in particular in tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) and metal inert gas welding (MIG) to achieve stable and precise welding results.
Advantages of inert gas
The biggest advantages of inert gas include:
- Stable arcs: The gases stabilise the arc, enabling a uniform and clean weld seam.
- No oxidation of the weld seam: Since the gases do not react with the molten pool, oxidation of the weld seam is prevented.
- Low spatter formation: Its use reduces spatter formation during the welding process, which minimises the need for post-weld finishing.
- Wide range of applications: Inert gas welding is suitable for a variety of metals, including stainless steel, aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.
- Improved visibility of the weld area: The gases create an atmosphere above the molten pool, protecting it from the harmful effects of the atmosphere.
Why is it important to distinguish between gases?
It is essential to distinguish between shielding gases and inert gases, as different properties and applications in the welding process must be taken into account depending on the welding gas used. Inert gases, such as argon and helium, are chemically inert and do not react with the weld pool, ensuring a clean and unaltered weld seam.
In addition to inert gases, shielding gases can also contain active gases such as carbon dioxide. These active components can affect the properties of the weld seam, for example by influencing the heat input or the shape of the arc. Choosing the right gas is fundamental to the quality of the welding result, the efficiency of the process and its suitability for specific materials and applications.
Shielding gas: your guarantee for precise welding results
Shielding gas during welding ensures a clean, oxidised weld seam, reduces spatter and improves welding speed. By using the right gas for the welding process in question, you can ensure that the welding work at hand is carried out optimally.
There are different types of shielding gases, each with its own specific properties. Whether argon, helium or a mixture of both – choosing the right shielding gas can make all the difference to the strength, appearance and durability of the weld seam.
The optimal solution for your next welding project
Air Liquide is your reliable partner when it comes to high-quality welding gases. We offer a wide range of welding gases, each specially developed for a specific application. Whether you are welding automatically on a large industrial project or carrying out smaller welding jobs by hand, we have the right welding gas for your individual needs!
You too can rely on our high-quality welding and shielding gases, such as:
- ARCAL™ Chrome: This high-quality gas is ideal for MAG welding of high-alloy materials. It offers a reliable shielding gas solution that ensures clean and precise weld seams, especially with demanding metals.
- ARCAL™ Speed: ARCAL™ Speed is the first choice for high-performance MAG welding of unalloyed and low-alloy steels. It enables faster welding and significantly reduces post-processing time.
- ARCAL™ Prime: This universal shielding gas is suitable for a wide range of processes and materials – an extremely versatile solution in our portfolio!
- ARCAL™ Force: This high-performance gas has been specially developed for MAG welding of unalloyed and low-alloy steels. It offers an optimal balance between protection and productivity.
Would you like to learn more about Air Liquide's welding gases?
Air Liquide offers a wide range of specialised welding gases designed for different applications and materials. Our gases ensure clean welds, reduce spatter and improve welding speed. With Air Liquide at your side, you can be sure that you will always achieve the best welding results. Trust our expertise and take advantage of Air Liquide welding gases for your next welding project.
The right selection and application of our highly specialised gases can make the difference between an average and an outstanding welding result. At Air Liquide, we understand the nuances and subtleties of the welding process. Our experts are always on hand to assist you in selecting the right welding gas for your specific application. If you have any questions or are unsure which shielding or inert gas from our portfolio is suitable for your next welding project, please give us a call. Or simply use our convenient contact form.