At Component Developments all our fabricates products are manufactured using the Tungsten Arc, Argon Shield (T.I.G) welding process. 

 

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), also known as tungsten inert gas 

(TIG) welding, is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable 

tungsten electrode to produce the weld. The weld area and electrode

is protected from oxidation or other atmospheric contamination by an 

inert shielding gas (argon or helium), and a filler metal is normally used,

though some welds, known as autogenous welds, do not require it. A 

constant-current welding power supply produces electrical energy, which

is conducted across the arc through a column of highly ionized gas and

metal vapors known as a plasma.

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GTAW is most commonly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel 

and non-ferrous metals such as aluminum, magnesium, and copper 

alloys. The process grants the operator greater control over the weld

than competing processes such as shielded metal arc weldingand gas

metal arc welding, allowing for stronger, higher quality welds. However,

GTAW is comparatively more complex and difficult to master, and

furthermore, it is significantly slower than most other welding techniques.

A related process, plasma arc welding, uses a slightly different welding

torch to create a more focused welding arc and as a result is often automated.

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For GTAW of carbon and stainless steels, the selection of a filler material is important to prevent excessive porosity. Oxides on the filler material and workpieces must be removed before welding to prevent contamination, and immediately prior to welding, alcohol or acetone should be used to clean the surface. Preheating is generally not necessary for mild steels less than one inch thick, but low alloy steels may require preheating to slow the cooling process and prevent the formation of martensite in the heat-affected zone. Tool steels should also be preheated to prevent cracking in the heat-affected zone. Austenitic stainless steels do not require preheating, but martensitic and ferritic chromium stainless steels do. A DCEN power source is normally used, and thoriated electrodes, tapered to a sharp point, are recommended. Pure argon is used for thin workpieces, but helium can be introduced as thickness increases.

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Although not the most economical method, this process in combination with our experienced workforce has an advantage of giving a very high quality finish and producing a smooth clean surface. Both important factors when producing watertight components utilised in areas where sanitation is of major importance. 

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