Any experienced welder knows that there are numerous different methods and mediums when it comes to welding. Depending on the material you’re welding or the purpose of the welds, you might be using GMAW, SMAW or GTAW welding practices—all of which are practical for a wide range of metal types, thicknesses and applications:
- GMAW is gas metal arc welding and is the most common form of industrial welding. It’s often used on mid-grade steel, stainless steel and aluminum alloys.
- GTAW is also known as TIG welding because it uses Tungsten inert gas. It’s a more refined version of MIG welding (GMAW) and can be used on most of the same metals.
- SMAW is arc welding at its most basic and is best suited for heavy welding applications—usually industrial in nature.
It you’re focused on aluminum welding in Phoenix, AZ, your options are usually going to be limited to GMAW or GTAW welding—SMAW welding tends to be best reserved for more heavy-duty applications and might be overkill for thinner, more pliable aluminum mediums. And, of these two applicable welding modalities, GTAW welding is generally going to be favored by experienced welders.
Why GTAW over GMAW? The benefits vary depending on the type and intensity of welds, but often the answer has to do with the control afforded to the welder. GTAW is a more advanced form of welding that enables precision and cleanliness, eliminating the need for excessive cleanup procedures, which can include sanding or grinding. Some additional benefits that GTAW welding lends to aluminum welding in Phoenix, AZ include:
- The ability to adjust and control heat input, which can be useful when making different types of welds. This prevents issues like melting through your weld pool or over-welding.
- Aluminum has an extremely sensitive surface that’s prone to contamination. GTAW welding keeps contamination to a low, reducing and eliminating porosity in welds.
- With aluminum oxide coating most aluminums, proper penetration is required to ensure stable welds. GTAW cuts through this surface layer effectively to ensure durable welds.
The result of using GTAW welding when working with aluminum is evident in the strength, cleanliness, precision and integrity of the welds. Often, fabricators will work specifically with Tungsten inert gas when aluminum work is required, specifically for the purpose of sustainability in the welding process and less required finishing time than might otherwise be required with GMAW welding.
If your fabrication project is aluminum-based or relies on aluminum component welding, make sure you’re choosing a shop that understands the ramifications of GTAW welding over general GMAW welding. Your project will come out quicker, look better and offer better integrity over the long term.
At Metal Pro Inc., we’re your GTAW experts! With welding experience that’s unparalleled by others, we strive for precision, excellence and durability in all of the welding work we do. Get in touch with us today for more information about how we can take aluminum welding in Phoenix, AZ to the next level.