TIG welding, often called argon welding, joins metal with an arc from a tungsten electrode while argon gas shields the weld. The welder adds filler wire by hand, so the heat and the bead are very controlled. It gives clean, strong, good-looking welds on stainless steel, aluminium, thin sheet and pipes, and is the usual choice for food, pharma and pressure work, though it is slower than MIG.
Quick facts
- Process
- Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW)
- Shielding gas
- Argon (sometimes argon-helium)
- Metals
- Stainless steel, aluminium, mild steel, copper, titanium
- Typical thickness
- About 0.5–6 mm (0.0197–0.236 inch) in one or two passes; thicker with more passes
- Speed
- Slower than MIG
- Usually priced
- Per metre of weld, per joint, or per hour
How it is done
- Parts are cut, fitted and cleaned; aluminium is wire-brushed to remove oxide
- Joints are tack welded and checked for alignment
- The welder runs the arc with a tungsten torch and feeds filler wire by hand
- Pipes and closed parts may get argon purging inside so the root stays clean
- Welds are cleaned, pickled or passivated on stainless if needed, and inspected
TIG or MIG welding?
| TIG | MIG | |
|---|---|---|
| Weld look | Neat, fine ripples | Wider, may need grinding |
| Thin sheet | Excellent | Risk of burn-through |
| Speed | Slow | Fast |
| Best for | Stainless, aluminium, pipes, visible welds | Mild steel frames and heavy fabrication |
What to send the welder
- Drawing with weld symbols, or photos of the joints
- Material and thickness of each part
- Whether you supply cut parts or they cut and fit
- Finish needed on the welds (as welded, ground flush, polished)
- Any code or test needed (dye penetrant, pressure test, welder qualification)
- Quantity and delivery
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Questions
- Why is TIG welding called argon welding?
- Because argon gas shields the arc and the weld pool from air. Workshops in India often call it argon welding.
- Can TIG weld aluminium?
- Yes, with an AC TIG machine. It is one of the best ways to weld thin aluminium cleanly.
- Is TIG welding stronger than MIG?
- Both make full-strength welds when done right. TIG gives more control and fewer defects on thin and critical joints; MIG is faster on thick mild steel.
The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 23 October 2026.