TIG Welding Filler Rod Basics

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is a common welding technique that uses a filler rod to join metal parts. The choice of filler rod is crucial to welding quality and efficiency. Here are some basics about TIG welding filler rods to help you understand how to choose the right filler rod.

Composition and function of filler rods
The main composition of the filler rod determines the performance of the welded joint. TIG welding filler materials include elements such as carbon (C), silicon (Si), manganese (Mn), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chromium (Cr) and nitrogen (N). The combination of these elements can improve the strength and high temperature crack resistance of the welded joint. The role of the filler rod is not only to fill the welding area, but also to adjust the chemical composition of the welded joint, thereby affecting its physical and chemical properties.

Basis for selection of filler rods
When selecting a filler rod, you need to consider the following factors:

Parent material type: The composition of the filler rod should match the parent material. For example, when welding high-Mn steel, a filler rod with a similar composition should be selected to ensure that the performance of the welded joint is similar to that of the parent material.

Welding environment: Different welding environments may require filler rods with different compositions. For example, welding of high-Mn steel used in extremely low temperature environments requires the use of special TIG welding filler materials to suppress the generation of high-temperature cracks.

Welding performance: The composition of the filler rod will affect the stability of the welding process. For example, when aluminum and Al-Si alloys are used as filler materials to weld beryllium, welding cracking can be effectively suppressed and the welding process and quality can be improved.

Common filler rod types
Common TIG welding filler rod types include:

Aluminum and aluminum alloy filler rods: suitable for welding aluminum and its alloys, such as Al-Mg welding wire and Al-Si welding wire.

Stainless steel filler rods: suitable for welding stainless steel, with good corrosion resistance.

Copper and copper alloy filler rods: suitable for welding copper and its alloys, with good electrical and thermal conductivity.