ESAB CIGWELD 220i, Operating Manual, Page: 60 / 94

TIG (GTAW) WELDING 6-6 Manual 0-5439
Transmig 220i
Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) or TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) as it is commonly referred to, is a welding
process in which fusion is produced by an electric arc that is established between a single tungsten (non-
consumable) electrode and the work piece. Shielding is obtained from a welding grade shielding gas or welding
grade shielding gas mixture which is generally Argon based. A filler metal may also be added manually in some
circumstances depending on the welding application.
Art # A-09658_AC
Work Piece
Can Be Any Commercial
Metal
Gas Cup
Either Ceramic,
High-lmpact or
Water Cooled
Metal
Welds Made With or Without
Addition of Filler Metal
Inert Gas
Shields Electrode
and Weld Puddle
Tungsten Electrode
Non-Consumable
Figure 6-4: TIG Welding Application Shot
Tungsten Electrode Current Ranges
Electrode Diameter DC Current (Amps)
0.040” (1.0mm) 30-60
1/16” (1.6mm) 60-115
3/32” (2.4mm) 100-165
1/8” (3.2mm) 135-200
5/32” (4.0mm) 190-280
3/16” (4.8mm) 250-340
Table 6-1: Current Ranges for Various Tungsten Electrode Sizes
Guide for Selecting Filler Wire Diameter
Filler Wire Diameter DC Current Range (Amps)
1/16” (1.6mm) 20-90
3/32” (2.4mm) 65-115
1/8” (3.2mm) 100-165
3/16” (4.8mm) 200-350
Table 6-2: Filler Wire Selection Guide
OPERATING MANUAL
6.03 TIG (GTAW) Basic Welding Technique