TIG (GTAW) Troubleshooting
Tungsten gets into the weld.
TIG Tungsten Contamination Reasons
- Tungsten melts into the weld puddle
- Tungsten is touching the weld puddle
TIG Tungsten Contamination Solution
- Reduce Current
- Ensure tungsten is is not contacting the weld puddle
- Ensure to use a proper tungsten electrode
TIG (GTAW) Troubleshooting: Unstable Welding Arc in AC Welding
TIG - Unstable Welding Arc in AC Welding - Reasons
- Incorrect shielding gas
- Too much DC component in AC
- Incorrect arc length
- Tungsten electrode is contaminated or incorrectly prepared
- Incorrect frequency
TIG - Unstable Welding Arc in AC Welding - Solution
- Ensure correct shielding gas is used
- Increase travel speed and get more control towards penetration
- Adjust torch
- Remove contaminated section of tungsten electrode. Also, sharpen the tungsten electrode
- Ensure operation between 100-180Hz
TIG (GTAW) Troubleshooting: Unstable Welding Arc in DC Welding
TIG - Unstable Welding Arc in DC Welding - Reasons
- Polarity is incorrect
- Tungsten is contaminated
- Arc is too long
- workpiece is contaminated
TIG - Unstable Welding Arc in AC Welding - Solution
- Change polarity on the panel
- Remove contaminated section of tungsten electrode
- Shorten arc length
- Clean workpiece and use clean filler rod
TIG (GTAW) Troubleshooting: Arc Wanders in AC Welding
TIG - Arc Wanders in AC Welding - Reasons
- Tungsten contaminated and incorrectly prepared
- Base metal contaminated
- Incorrect balance setting
- Excessive DC component in AC
- Incorrect shielding gas flow
- Frequency too low
- Incorrect welding technique
TIG - Arc Wanders in AC Welding - Solution
- Clean electrode from contaminants and prepare appropriately
- Increase balance to give more penetration
- Increase travel speed and balance
- Increase shielding gas flow
- Ensure operation between 100-180Hz