Helium can be used for MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, but it is not the most common gas used for this purpose. Helium is more commonly used in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, particularly in the past. However, helium can be used for MIG welding aluminum, and it can provide deeper and wider penetration than other gases, which can increase productivity. Unfortunately, helium is more expensive than other gases and requires a higher flow rate.
Adjusting the Flow Rate for Helium in MIG Welding
When using helium for MIG welding, it is crucial to adjust the flow rate appropriately. According to one source, a flow rate of 30-40 cubic feet per hour (CFH) is recommended for steel, while a higher flow rate of 50-70 CFH may be necessary for aluminum. It is also important to note that helium should not be used for welding ferrous metals, such as steel, because it can lead to excessive porosity and other welding defects.
| Metal | Recommended Helium Flow Rate (CFH) |
|---|---|
| Steel | 30-40 |
| Aluminum | 50-70 |
Weld Characteristics with Helium in MIG Welding
Image source: Mig weld example
In terms of weld characteristics, helium can provide higher heat input than other gases, which can result in faster travel speeds and deeper penetration. However, it may also result in wider welds and greater spatter. The strength of welds made with helium may also be affected, depending on the specific welding parameters and metal being welded.
Advantages of Using Helium in MIG Welding
- Deeper and wider penetration
- Faster travel speeds
- Increased productivity
Disadvantages of Using Helium in MIG Welding
- More expensive than other gases
- Requires higher flow rate
- Can lead to excessive porosity and other defects when used on ferrous metals
- May result in wider welds and greater spatter
- Weld strength may be affected
Considerations for Using Helium in MIG Welding
When considering the use of helium in MIG welding, it is essential to carefully evaluate the specific welding application and parameters. Helium can be particularly useful for welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals, where its deeper and wider penetration can be beneficial. However, the higher cost and flow rate, as well as the potential for weld defects on ferrous metals, should be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.
It is recommended to conduct thorough testing and experimentation to determine the optimal welding parameters and gas mixture when using helium in MIG welding. This may involve adjusting factors such as wire feed speed, voltage, and travel speed to achieve the desired weld characteristics and quality.
Conclusion
In summary, helium can be used for MIG welding, but it is not the most common gas used for this purpose. It is more commonly used in TIG welding. However, helium can be used for MIG welding aluminum, and it can provide deeper and wider penetration than other gases, which can increase productivity. Nevertheless, helium is more expensive than other gases and requires a higher flow rate. It is crucial to carefully consider the specific welding application and parameters before using helium as a shielding gas in MIG welding.
References:
– Can Helium Be Used with a MIG Welder?
– Pure Helium with MIG
– Using Helium as Shielding Gas
The themachine.science Core SME Team is a group of experienced subject matter experts from diverse scientific and technical fields including Physics, Chemistry, Technology,Electronics & Electrical Engineering, Automotive, Mechanical Engineering. Our team collaborates to create high-quality, well-researched articles on a wide range of science and technology topics for the themachine.science website.
All Our Senior SME are having more than 7 Years of experience in the respective fields . They are either Working Industry Professionals or assocaited With different Universities. Refer Our Authors Page to get to know About our Core SMEs.