Air Products’ Argon Gas ensures Precision and Quality in all Stainless Steel Applications
Argon, a cryogenic liquid that is chemically inert to all known elements, is ideal for Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. Argon, used in TIG, ensures that there is absolute precision when welding stainless steel, which invariably enhances operational efficiency in all stainless steel applications.
This is according to Colin West, Air Products South Africa Manager of Welding and Cutting Gases.
“Argon is ideal for TIG welding as it shrouds the weld from atmospheric contamination when welding at high temperatures. Argon’s constricted arc is fundamental for high-quality TIG welding as it provides a focused arc. The fine arc ensures high precision welding on all types of metal, especially stainless steel,” says West.
He lists the benefits of Air Products’ argon industrial gas, stating that the product allows for excellent arc ignition at low voltage [15.5 volts], to create an instant stable arc.
“Most importantly, Air Products believes in efficiency and quality, and ensures that gases are used to produce a quality weld on stainless steel products,” he adds.
In fact, when Air Products adds helium or hydrogen to argon for austenitic stainless steels production, speeds have been known to reach up to 30% more over argon. The high thermal conductivity of hydrogen also enhances a cleaning effect, as it is a reducing gas. “This is quite meticulous science,” West points out, adding that it must be noted hydrogen is only used on austenitic stainless steels.
“Helium is the preferred gas enhancer for ferritic stainless steels,” he explains.
He comments that stainless steel is used in many industries, including refineries, power generation, automotive, catering and health care.
“Our customers require a gas that will produce a quality weld for stainless steel applications every time. We have products that meet these requirements in terms of precision and quality.”
Collin West explains that precision and quality is achieved because the company pays careful attention to the composition of gases and differentiating them according to the customer’s specifications and requirements. He explains the different uses for Argon:
“Argon is renowned for its shielding capabilities for TIG welding, but Air Products uses the gas for other processes, including Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding and Metal Active Welding (MAG). But argon’s focused arc column is not user-friendly for MAG welding on its own, as it causes undercutting and poor fusion. However, we add oxygen and carbon dioxide to profile and shape the weld ensuring precision and quality says West.
West adds carbon dioxide is added to the welding process as it is slightly oxidising, providing increased heat in the arc through disassociation. “The available heat increases penetration, adding width to the weld, improving side wall fusion.”
Most importantly, Air Products’ branded Coogar Gas mixtures are blended from carbon dioxide, oxygen and argon. “Certain Coogar mixtures provide a very smooth welding arc for stainless steel applications,” he says.
Coogar gas is used in MAG welding, which forms roughly 70% of the fabrication sector; and is mainly used for high deposition semi-automatic welding processes. It is easily adapted to mechanised robotic welding. “The abilities of MAG welding are vast, as it can be adapted to any application such as stainless steel, the automotive sector and heavy fabrication.”
“Air Products is constantly seeking, testing and providing new ways to apply our wide range of industrial gases in a variety of applications and industries.
Throughout our history we have been instrumental in delivering cost-effective solutions in the supply of gases and services to the South African industry, including that of the stainless steel sector. Furthermore, major corporations in paper manufacturing, polymer, plastics and rubber processing, metal processing, semiconductors and food production rely on our expertise in their fields as well as our world class standards of gas purity and quality,” concludes West.
Published on March 10, 2011 in Air Products News |