TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welding Services

TIG welding enables precise, aesthetically pleasing welds of metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, Chromoly, nickel alloys and magnesium. TIG welding solves unique challenges such as working with crack-sensitive materials, working with thin gauge materials, welding, parts and assemblies with challenging geometries that are unable to be fixtured, and welding joints that have limited accessibility.

As it requires less fixturing and labor than our complementary services, electron beam, laser welding and laser hermetic sealing, TIG is an ideal lower-cost solution to other welding technologies offered at EB Industries. Customers often come to EB Industries with projects that are so complex, they may not even know the best welding technology to deploy, trusting our engineers to develop the perfect solution with no bias or preference driven just by what tool we may happen to provide.

TIG Welding Example

Now offering the full spectrum of welding services, EB Industries is in an ideal position to deploy just the right welding technology to address any customer application. In our role as welding service provider to some of the most demanding applications in the world, EB delivers high-quality, mission-critical backed by a technical expertise and quality regimen that is uncommon among welding service providers.

EB Industries is ISO 9001:2015/AS9100D and NADCAP certified and has full engineering and metallurgy capabilities. Furthermore, we offer extensive pre- and post-processing services to provide the complete range of value-added partnerships with our customers.

What is TIG Welding

TIG welding creates an arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The process uses an inert shielding gas—typically argon or helium—to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. Unlike other welding techniques, TIG welding does not rely on a consumable electrode.

Application Advantages of TIG Welding

High-Quality Welds

TIG welding produces clean, precise and aesthetically pleasing welds with minimal splatter.

Strong, Reliable Joints

TIG welds are strong, ductile and corrosion-resistant with minimal defects such as porosity and inclusion. The welds are ideal for critical applications in the aerospace and medical industries.

Lower Cost Weld Technology

TIG welding requires no fixturing and lower labor costs as a result. Given that, TIG welding is a less expensive process than electron beam welding, laser welding or laser hermetic sealing.

Welds Difficult Shapes

The process can weld difficult-to-access joint locations and structures that cannot be cost-effectively mounted in a fixture. TIG welding operates in horizontal, vertical and overhead welding positions.

Welds Crack-Sensitive Materials Without Filler

With TIG welding, filler material is not needed to weld crack-sensitive material, reducing material costs and simplifying the process.

Excellent for Thin Materials

TIG welding welds thin gauge metals without warping and minimal distortion due to heat.

Welds a Wide Range of Materials

The TIG method welds both ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

Cleaner Welds

TIG welding uses inert shielding gas and does not require flux, eliminating post-weld slag cleanup. It also generates less smoke and fumes, substantially reducing contamination risk.

Precise Control

TIG welding enables adjustment of heat input to create intricate and detailed welds on high-precision work for the aerospace, automotive, and medical industries.

Strong Fillet Welds

TIG welding creates a stronger fillet weld than other welding processes.

Comparison of Electron Beam Welding, Laser Beam Welding and TIG Welding

Feature Electron Beam Welding (EBW) Laser Beam Welding (LBW) Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding
Heat Source Focused electron beam High energy laser beam Electric arc
Shielding Method Vacuum environment Shielding gas (argon/helium) Shielding gas (argon/helium)
Weld Penetration Deep (up to 2 inches in a single pass) Moderate to deep (determined by type of laser) Shallow to moderate
Heat-Affected Zone Smallest due to the vacuum environment Small to moderate Controllable with adjustable heat source
Material Compatability Most metals, including refractory and dissimilar metals Most metals, including highly reflective materials like copper and aluminum Wide range of metals, including ferrous and non-ferrous metals, can work with crack-sensitive materials and weld difficult-to-access joints
Welding Crack-Sensitive Material Filler required and labor-intensive Filler required and labor-intensive Filler not needed
Fixturing Required Required Not required, can weld in complex geometries
Forming Fillet Welds Not an ideal process Not an ideal process Forms strongest fillet welds
Distortion and Stress Minimal Low to moderate Minimal on thin gauge metals due to control of heat source
Automation Suitability Easily automated Easily automated Typically, manually controlled
Cost Effectiveness High initial cost Moderate to high setup cost Low setup cost

Industrial Applications

Aerospace Industry

TIG welding is widely used in the aerospace industry to create lightweight, high-strength joints in aluminum, titanium and other alloys. The precision of TIG welding allows for the creation of components with minimal distortion and a high degree of structural integrity, which is essential for ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft. Applications include welding fuselage components, engine parts and landing gear.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, TIG welding is commonly used for welding stainless steel exhaust systems, turbochargers and other critical components that require high strength and resistance to corrosion. TIG welding allows for the production of strong, aesthetically pleasing welds that can endure the harsh conditions within automotive systems, especially in areas exposed to heat and chemical stress.

Food and Pharmaceutical Industries

TIG welding is a preferred method in industries like food and pharmaceuticals due to its clean, hygienic welds. Stainless steel, which is commonly used in equipment and piping in these industries, can be welded without contaminating the weld zone. This is particularly important when working with materials that will come into direct contact with food, beverages or pharmaceuticals. TIG welding produces minimal spatter, ensuring that the weld area remains clean and smooth, which is essential for food-grade and medical-grade applications.

Medical Industry

TIG welding is widely used in the medical industry for manufacturing surgical instruments, implants and medical tubing due to its precision and clean welds. It is ideal for stainless steel, titanium, and cobalt-chrome components, ensuring biocompatibility and corrosion resistance. Medical implants such as hip replacements, bone plates, and dental prosthetics rely on TIG welding for strong, contamination-free joints. This method is also used in fabricating catheters, endoscopic tools, and diagnostic equipment, where smooth, defect-free welds are essential.

Quality Management for TIG Welding

EB Industries maintains the highest levels of quality to perform welding services for critical, high-reliability applications in a variety of mission-critical industries, such as aerospace and medical applications. We are certified and compliant to:

  • International quality standard, ISO 9001:2015/AS9100
  • Medical device standard, ISO 13485:2016
  • Aerospace quality system standards, AC7110/3 Rev. E and AC7004
  • Quality control and inspection system standard, MIL-I-45208A
  • Metrology program standard, MIL-C-45662A.

Personnel

All our TIG welding technicians are trained and compliant with MIL-STD-1595A specifications. Additionally, they are supported by full engineering and maintenance staff, a dedicated quality control department and an in-house machine shop.

Additional Services

We offer an extensive set of pre- and post-processing services to accompany our TIG welding work:

Pre Processing

  • CAD/CAM Product Design and Weld Design
  • Tooling Design & Fabrication
  • Parts Cleaning & Assembly
  • Strategic Sourcing and Subcontractor Contract Management

Post Processing

  • Metallurgic Evaluations
  • Leak Testing
  • Destructive and Non-Destructive Testing
  • Post Weld Thermal Treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is TIG welding best for?
TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas welding) is best for applications requiring high precision and clean welds on structures that cannot be placed in fixtures. The TIG technique can weld a wide range of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel and magnesium alloys. TIG welding excels at handling large structures, complex geometric shapes, joints with limited accessibility and junctions requiring significant amounts of filler material. It is the preferred method for sheet metal applications, such as sheet metal enclosures, where appearance and structural integrity are important. TIG welding offers exceptional control over the welding process, making it ideal for projects where weld quality and aesthetics are primary concerns. It is an ideal complement to ultra-precision and high performance welding techniques such as electron beam welding, laser welding and laser hermetic sealing.
What is the difference between MIG and TIG welding?
The key difference between MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding lies in their precision, application and welding processes. MIG welding uses a continuously fed wire electrode that melts and joins the workpiece. MIG welding offers fast, high-volume welding on thicker materials like steel and aluminum. TIG welding, on the other hand, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a separate filler material, allowing for greater control and precision. This makes TIG welding a better solution than MIG for thin materials, high-strength alloys, and applications requiring clean, high-quality welds. MIG welding is used for maintenance, repair and light fabrication, while TIG welding is used for more mission-critical applications. TIG welding is an ideal complement to ultra-precision and high performance welding techniques such as electron beam welding, laser welding and laser hermetic sealing.
What does TIG stand for?
TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). This welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc that melts the base metal while an inert gas, such as argon, shields the weld from contamination. TIG welding is valued for its precision, strength and clean welds in applications where parts are large, consist of complex geometries, or where fixturing is difficult.
Do you push or pull with TIG welding?
Opinions differ on pushing and pulling when TIG welding. Some recommend pulling so that the electrode is dragged in the opposite direction from the deposited metal. These welders believe that pulling provides better penetration, stronger bonding and a long-lasting finish. Pulling is also recommended when not using a filler rod. Others recommend pushing to avoid placing the filler rod through the arc and into the path of travel. These welders believe that pushing ensures that the gas coverage offers more protection for the weld.
Can you TIG weld without gas?
No, TIG welding cannot be performed without shielding gas. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding fundamentally requires an inert gas shield, typically argon or helium, to protect the weld pool and tungsten electrode from atmospheric contamination. Without an inert gas surrounding the weld, the tungsten electrode would rapidly oxidize and deteriorate, the weld pool would become contaminated with oxygen, and nitrogen in the air and porosity and inclusions would form in the weld.
What is stronger, a TIG or a stick weld?
Neither welding technique produces stronger welds than the other. TIG welding typically produces clean, precise welds with better control over penetration and less splatter. TIG welding is most suitable for applications where weld quality and appearance are important along with maximum cleanliness. Stick welding (SMAW) can produce equally strong welds, particularly in structural applications and field repairs. Its advantage lies in versatility across varying environmental conditions and the ability to weld through contaminants, rust and in outdoor settings.
What is the proper term for TIG welding?
The proper term for TIG welding is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). While “TIG” (Tungsten Inert Gas) remains the most commonly used term in everyday shop talk, GTAW is the official designation recognized by the American Welding Society and international standards organizations.
Why is TIG welding the hardest?
TIG welding is considered one of the hardest welding techniques because it requires precise and simultaneous control over three parameters: torch positioning, filler material and applied heat. Unlike other welding methods, the welder must maintain precise torch control with one hand, feed filler material with the other hand and control power supply current with a foot pedal. The process requires good dexterity as the welder must maintain a consistent arc length, control torch angle and speed, add filler material at the correct angle and manage the heat input.
What is the rule of 33 in TIG welding?
The “Rule of 33” in TIG welding is a guideline for setting pulse parameters to achieve better weld control and precision. The “rule” involves setting the pulse rate to 33 pulses per second (PPS), the pulse width (time the current is at peak amperage) to 33%, and the background current (the lower amperage between pulses) to 33% of the peak current. This combination helps in reducing heat input, minimizing deformation and improving weld quality, especially on thin materials or near edges. It’s a simple, easy-to-remember starting point for high-speed pulsing, which welders can adjust based on specific applications.
Is a TIG weld stronger than a MIG weld?
There is no specific advantage of weld strength between TIG welding and MIG welding. The strength of a weld depends on proper technique, the material to be welded and appropriate filler material selection. TIG welding offers superior control, precision and cleanliness, allowing for higher-quality welds with fewer defects when performed by a skilled operator. TIG welding is the preferred method for applications that require higher grade weld integrity, such as aerospace components, medical devices, or high-purity systems. MIG welding enables faster deposition rates and can produce strong, quality welds with proper setup and technique for maintenance and repair applications.
Is TIG welding in high demand?
Yes, TIG welding is in high demand, particularly in industries that require precision, high-strength welds, good aesthetics and contamination-free results. TIG welding is preferred for its ability to handle thin materials and exotic alloys, producing clean, strong joints that meet the strictest quality standards. The expansion of advanced manufacturing in sectors like electric vehicles, renewable energy and specialized equipment has further increased demand for precision TIG welding capabilities. It is an excellent solution for large parts, complex geometries and other applications where fixturing is not feasible.