Heliarc Welding – What Is It and Types

Tungsten Inert Gas, or TIG welding, is a welding method that is more generally known as Heliarc welding. One could even hear it called Gas Tungsten Arc Welding. Welders utilize a variety of techniques, but Heliarc welding is regarded as one of the most difficult to master. It's the perfect weld for thin metals like steel material, aluminum, and non-ferrous alloys.

Read the whole article to know more precisely about Heliarc welding and its types.

What Type Of Welding Is Heliarc?

Heliarc welding is basically TIG welding. We’ve already said this above. The procedure was a very appealing option for gasoline or manual metal arc welding since it used an inert gas barrier rather than a waste to protect the molten weld.

During the TIG welding process, an arc is created between a pointed tungsten tool and the work piece in an anaerobic atmosphere of helium or argon. The pointed electrode's tiny intense arc is perfect for high-quality and precision welding.

The TIG welder doesn't have to manage the heating rate from the arc even as metal is placed first from the melted electrode since the electrode also isn't consumed during welding. When filler material is needed, it must be introduced to the molten material separately.

Why Is It Called Heliarc?

Northrop Aircraft's Russell Meredith pioneered the method in 1941. Because the methodology featured a tungsten electrode arc and helium as a shielding gas, Meredith termed it Heliarc, although it's also known as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG). Meredith was the first to create Heliarc welding.

H.M.Hobart, who utilized helium for shielding, and P.K. Devers, who have used argon, improved the concept in the late 1920s. This method was perfect for welding magnesium, as well as stainless steel and aluminum. Meredith patented it in 1941, and it was given the term Heliarc welding.

How Do You Weld A Heliarc?

The welder creates arcs between both the base material and the tungsten electrode using an electrical current. After then, a weld bead will form. Welders should not start welding till the weld bead appears like a glossy dot if they're dealing with aluminum if they're working with metals like iron.

When the metal comes to a point, the oxide has indeed been eliminated from the region, and applying the filling will not cause contamination while you weld. A gas barrier is also used to protect the metal during this procedure.

When welding, argon or helium gas is typically used as a shielding gas occasionally in combination since helium helps to boost heat. This gaseous shield serves to keep oxygen out of the weld so it doesn't taint it. Heliarc welding is the name given to the procedure when helium is employed as the gas.

Top 5 Heliarc Welding Jobs

• Senior Welding Engineer
• Pipeline Project Welding
• Fusion Welding
• AWS Welding
• Welding Engineer

List of Advantages of Heliarc Welding

• TIG welding allows for more accuracy.
• TIG welding is a less polluting process.
• A TIG welder may be used in virtually any position.
• TIG welding helps to select the exact amperage needed for your project.
• You have good control over the temperature that the welder produces.
• TIG welding procedures allow you to weld a wider range of metals and alloys.
• When TIG welding, there are lesser fumes and smoke.
• To function effectively, you don't need to buy various shielding gases.
• A TIG welder costs about the same as the other methods.

Final Note

We have written everything that you need to know about Heliarc welding. Considering the complexity of the technique and the difficulties it poses, perfecting Heliarc/TIG welding is quite well worth the effort.

Welders can better manage the intensity, texture, and nuances of a joint, and after they've mastered the procedure, they'll be more likely to land higher-paying vocations like aviation or pipeline welding. If you truly put your mind to it, it may turn into a very rewarding job in the long run.