Welding Fluxes for GTAW

effect the surface tension of the weld pool molecules and

allow improved penetration on certain metals.
Preparing Aluminum for Welding

positively charged gas ions are attracted to the negative work

piece.

chip away at the brittle oxide much like a miniature sandblasting

operation.

The electron flow from the work to the electrode lifts the
loosened oxide leaving clean base metal to be welded.
 Preparing Stainless Steel for Welding

Filler material used should be compatible

heat conductivity of chrome-nickel stainless steels are about

50% less than mild steel-tendency for distortion on thin sections.

carbide precipitation (800 – 1400° F)

. Rapid cooling through this range will help keep precipitation

to a minimum.

 columbium or titanium are added to avoid the precipitation

 Case study
 
Case study 1:

Paulo J. Modenesi, EustaÂquio R. ApolinaÂrio, Iaci M. Pereira, “TIG

welding with single-component Fluxes”, Journal of Materials
Processing Technology 99 (2000) 260-265.

 activated flux TIG (ATIG) welding process

thin layer of an active flux that results in a great increase in

weld penetration

This effect is, generally, connected to the capture of electrons

in the outer parts of the arc by elements of high
electronegativity, which constrict the arc causing an effect
similar to that used in plasma arc welding.
TIG welding of stainless steels

• to joints of a maximum thickness of 3 mm and to

relatively low welding speed.

•from the literature indicate that joints with a thickness of

6 mm, or even of 10 mm, can be welded in a single pass
with the ATIG process.
• increase the anode current density and the arc force acting on the
welding pool - similarly to what happens in plasma arc welding.