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Glossary

TIG Welding (GTAW)

Tungsten Inert Gas welding — a precision arc welding process using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert shielding gas.

Definition

What is TIG Welding (GTAW)?

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, formally known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the welding arc and a separate filler rod fed manually into the weld pool. An inert shielding gas — typically argon or helium — protects the weld area from atmospheric contamination. TIG welding produces the highest quality, most aesthetically superior welds of any arc process. It is the preferred process for stainless steel food-grade equipment, aluminum aerospace components, pressure vessels, and any application where weld appearance and purity are critical.

Types & Variants

  • • DC TIG (for steel and stainless)
  • • AC TIG (for aluminum)
  • • Orbital TIG (automated, for pipe and tube)

Common Applications

  • • Stainless steel food processing equipment
  • • Aluminum structural components
  • • Pressure vessels and hydraulic fittings
  • • Architectural metalwork
  • • Precision sheet metal assemblies

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When is TIG welding preferred over MIG welding?
TIG welding is preferred when weld appearance and purity are critical — stainless steel food equipment, exposed architectural welds, thin-gauge materials prone to warping, and alloys like aluminum, copper, and titanium. MIG welding is faster and more economical for high-volume structural work where cosmetics are secondary.
What does CWB certification mean for TIG welding?
CWB Standard W47.1 certification confirms that a welding facility employs certified welders, follows qualified welding procedure specifications (WPS), and operates a documented quality management system. ATS Metal Fabrication holds CWB W47.1 Division 2 certification, covering both TIG and other arc welding processes.
Can TIG welding be used on aluminum?
Yes. AC (alternating current) TIG welding is the standard process for aluminum. The AC cleaning cycle removes the oxide layer on aluminum's surface, allowing proper fusion. ATS Metal Fabrication performs AC TIG welding on aluminum components for structural and decorative applications.

Related Terms

See Also

MIG Welding (GMAW) Metal Fabrication Stainless Steel Fabrication Aluminum Fabrication

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