Check out this thread from a similar discussion earlier on this forum:
https://www.aws.org/cgi-bin/mwf/topic_show.pl?pid=248399;hl=active%20reactiveBut overall you are in the right direction, it has to do with your gases being reactive and not playing well with others. Argon by itself is not reactive, plays well with others. Especially when it comes to GTAW. With other processes there are other factors at work that bring the other elements into play.
He Is In Control, Have a Great Day, Brent
Hello jsdwelder, think in terms of the "electrode", with GTAW it needs to be shielded in such a manner that it isn't reactive with anything while it is conducting current or it will erode, contaminate, and not do it's job properly(hence the reason for using Argon, Helium, or a mixture of the two "inert" gases). The tungsten electrode has alloying properties that aid in applications to improve performance on the various alloys being welded. With the wire processes you are using the wire as an electrode and melting it to become part of the weld pool. You want some reactivity there to promote wetting of the toes, providing for the correct transitional currents to promote the particular transfer mode that you are trying to achieve and a few other things. Just my $.02 to add to the conversation. Best regards, Allan
Forum
