TIG welding is a kind of arc welding process, which we use to join metal with metal. This process uses electricity to generate enough heat to melt the metal. When it is cool down, there is a small weld connecting the metal. (we have a small welded piece connecting the metal).
If you are a welder who wants to use a TIG welder machine for aluminum and stainless steel, you are at the right place. Below is a guide list that you must know to setup a TIG welder aluminum and stainless steel.
How to setup TIG Welder for aluminum and stainless steel?
What is TIG welder?
Tungsten inert gas welder, which is commonly abbreviated as TIG, is one of the many different commonly used method in the welding industry. This welding technique only utilizes tungsten electrode which isn’t consumable. During the process, the weld is covered by an area of the inert atmosphere with no oxidation and it also requires a filler metal.
Where does the electricity come from? It comes from a constant-current power supply, then flows through the arc and the plasma. So, how does a TIG welder work?
(Unlike traditional welding method, during TIG welding process, the main conductor for the electrical energy is a plasma. A form of matter which is known as ionized gas consisting of positively charged ions.)
How does a TIG welder work?
TIG welder requires a filler metal, so we need to use this tool with two hands. One holds the filler metal, while the other controls the welding torch.
We have a generator to create an electric spark to strike the welding arc. It acts as a pathway allowing the welding current to travel and strike the arc.
After striking the arc, welder uses the welding torch to create a welding pool while keeping the electrode and the workpiece apart constantly. Then, he moves the torch back slightly and keeps it inclined about 15 degrees from vertical. Finally, he adds the filler rod to the front end of the welding pool manually and starts welding.
How To Setup TIG Welder for Aluminum?
Each use of the TIG welding machine for aluminum and stainless requires a different setup. For aluminum, you have two options: pure tungsten or thoriated tungsten. Now we see the steps to setup a TIG welder for aluminum
- Use the button on the rear panel to switch on the machine
- Push the button on the bottom row: polarity, process, output, pulser, gas/dig, AC waveshape
- Select below options which are indicated by a green LED
- Change the polarity to AC
- Change the process to TIG HF Impulse
- Choose RMT STD on output to enable the foot pedal
- Choose PPS on pulser and turn the amperage knob to 4
- Choose PRE-FLOW on GAS/DIG and adjust the amperage knob to 0.2 seconds
- Choose POST-FLOW on GAS/DIG and adjust the amperage knob to Auto
- Choose AC Frequency in AC waveshape
- Push the A button and set the maximum of the amperage
- Use the foot pedal to control the amperage from 0 to the maximum you have set
How to setup TIG welder for stainless steel?
- Use the button on the rear panel to switch on the machine
- Push the button on the bottom row: polarity, process, output, gas/dig
- Select below options which are indicated by a green LED
- Change polarity to DC
- Change process to TIG HF Impulse
- Choose RMT STD on output to enable the foot pedal
- Set PRE-FLOW in GAS/DIG and turn the amperage knob to 0.02 seconds
- Set POST-FLOW in GAS/DIG and turn the amperage knob to Auto
- Push the A button on the machine and set the maximum of the amperage knob
- Use the foot pedal to control the amperage from 0 to the maximum you have set
Conclusion
Now you are aware of how to setup a TIG welder for aluminum and stainless steel. Basically, it’s not too difficult if you are a welder. It just requires a few settings when you want to change from aluminum welding to stainless steel welding and vice versa.