Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), also known as Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, was invented in the 1940s by Russell Meredith, a welder at Northrop Aircraft Corporation in Southern California. The invention of GTAW was driven by the need for a better welding method for aluminum and magnesium alloys, which were difficult to weld with the methods available at the time. The GTAW process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas, typically argon, to shield the weld from atmospheric contamination. This process allowed for precise, high-quality welds and gave American industry the ability to build ships, airplanes, and other products faster than ever before.
The Invention of GTAW
In the 1940s, Russell Meredith, a welder at Northrop Aircraft Corporation, was tasked with finding a better welding method for aluminum and magnesium alloys. The existing welding techniques at the time, such as oxyacetylene welding and shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), were not well-suited for these materials, as they were prone to porosity, cracking, and other defects.
Meredith experimented with using a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas, such as argon, to shield the weld from atmospheric contamination. This process, which he called “Heliarc” welding, allowed for precise, high-quality welds that were free from the defects that plagued other welding methods.
The GTAW process works by using a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc between the electrode and the workpiece. The inert gas, typically argon, is used to shield the weld pool and the surrounding area from atmospheric contamination, which can lead to porosity, cracking, and other defects.
The Commercialization of GTAW
The patent for the GTAW process was purchased by the Linde Division of Union Carbide, which developed and sold various torches, parts, and consumables for the technique until the 1960s and 1970s when their patents on the process and TIG-related tools expired.
During this time, other companies began marketing TIG torches and accessories, with CK Worldwide and Weldcraft becoming industry leaders in the post-Linde era. These companies helped to further develop and refine the GTAW process, making it more accessible and user-friendly for welders.
The Evolution of GTAW Machines
The first TIG welding machines were developed by Linde and were large, heavy machines that weighed hundreds of pounds. Over time, machines became smaller and more advanced, with the Miller corporation introducing the square waveform feature in the 1970s, which allowed for better control of amperage while working from a welding machine.
Printed circuit boards were the next big development in the field, giving TIG welders the ability to make even more precise adjustments to the welding parameters, such as current, voltage, and gas flow rate.
The Versatility of GTAW
GTAW is a versatile welding process that is used for precise welds in a variety of materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and other metals. It is a manual process that requires a high level of skill and coordination, as the welder must hold the torch in one hand and feed filler metal into the arc with the other.
The process is used in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing, and is known for its high-quality welds and precision. GTAW is particularly well-suited for welding thin materials, as the precise control of the welding parameters allows for minimal distortion and warping.
Conclusion
In summary, GTAW was invented in the 1940s by Russell Meredith and has since become a widely used welding process known for its precision and high-quality welds. The process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and an inert gas to shield the weld from atmospheric contamination, and is used in a variety of industries for precise welds in a variety of materials.
The commercialization and evolution of GTAW machines have made the process more accessible and user-friendly for welders, while the versatility of the process has led to its widespread adoption in a variety of industries. As technology continues to advance, it is likely that GTAW will continue to play a crucial role in the fabrication and manufacturing of a wide range of products.
References:
– The History of GTAW Welding
– Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
– The Evolution of TIG Welding
– The History of Welding
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