Various gases are mixed with argon gas to alter the process performance of electric arc processes including GMAW, GTAW, PAW, and PAC. The addition of varying percentages of carbon dioxide gas, oxygen gas, helium gas, or hydrogen gas can adjust the arc characteristics, bead profile, arc penetration, fume levels, weld spatter levels, and oxide formation when used in the following processes:
5-25% carbon dioxide in argon in the GMAW (gas metal arc welding) short arc process on carbon steel
2-5% carbon dioxide in argon in the GMAW processes, spray arc and as a low-cost mixture for short arc welding stainless steels
A trimix of oxygen and carbon dioxide in argon in the GMAW process for welding thin sections of carbon steel
Various trimixes of carbon dioxide, helium, and argon in the GMAW process for enhanced bead profile and reduced chromium oxide formation in the short arc process on stainless steels. Other percentages of these 3 gases are used in the GMAW-P (pulsed arc) process on stainless steels.
5-25% helium in argon in the GMAW and GTAW process to weld heavier sections of aluminum. Please note that pure helium can be used to weld very heavy sections of aluminum in the GTAW process.
2-5% hydrogen in argon in the GTAW (gas tungsten arc welding) and PAW (plasma arc welding) processes to weld stainless steels and other refractory oxide metals, the addition of hydrogen reduces these oxides to permit wetting of these metals.
Up to 35% hydrogen in argon in the PAC (plasma arc cutting) process for reduced refractory oxide formation when cutting heavier sections of stainless steels and other refractory oxide metals.
If you would like to know more information about Argon mixtures and what we recommend, contact us today!
The percentage of argon in your welding gas makes a big difference. The implied standard for argon gas mixture is 75-25, a versatile combination for most welding jobs. Increased argon levels make the arc smoother but also increases pool fluidity. Your arc gets more fluid. Too little negates the benefit of the argon in the first place, making you pay a premium for no great benefit.
For even more highly specialized welding applications, you may use argon-oxygen mixes 98-2 or 95-5, tri-mix welding argon gases, such as 90-8-2 Argon-CO2-Oxygen and Mizon welding mixes.
All mixtures of these gases with argon are simple asphyxiants and should be used in well-ventilated areas. Welding fumes can be very hazardous and breathing protection should be used. The 35% hydrogen in argon mixture is classified as a flammable mixture so appropriate precautions should be taken during use or storage. Consult argon's Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before attempting to use it in your welding shop. Never assume safety. You must be knowledgeable about your tools and welding gases to avoid injury.
Since 1938, we have represented quality manufacturers of industrial and medical gases, welding equipment and supplies in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois.
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Welders Supply sells and rents gas tanks and cylinders, and provides exchange refills to many towns and locations in Southern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, including Kenosha WI, West Bend WI, DeKalb IL, and Waukegan IL.
Welders Supply ships argon gas mixtures all around southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois area, providing high purity grade mixes to its customers.
If you have empty cylinders and require a refill or exchange, we can help at an affordable price. No other welding supplier in the area has a better track record of providing high-quality products and services for lower costs.
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