What is helium?
Helium is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, non-toxic and non-flammable gas that can be used in its purest form or mixed with other industrial gases in a range of industrial applications.
Helium is most commonly used as a shield for the weld pool in welding applications, and can be used on its own or mixed with argon and other industrial gases. This addition of helium to the weld pool can increase welding speeds and improve welder productivity.
Helium is considered to be one of the ‘noble gases’, alongside neon, argon and others with similar properties.
Helium gas for welding is widely used in many welding applications, particularly in TIG welding. It improves weld quality, speed, and arc stability. In this article, we will explore why helium is so valuable for welding and its main advantages. Colorless, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic and chemically inert, helium is nonflammable and, when compared with argon, has a high thermal conductivity. Helium-enhanced mixtures are utilized to create an inert gas shield and prevent oxidation during open arc welding of metals such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper and magnesium alloys.
What is Helium Gas for Welding?
Helium gas for welding is primarily used to shield the welding arc from atmospheric gases. This shielding prevents contamination and enhances the welding process. It is most commonly used in TIG welding for welding metals like aluminum and stainless steel.
Benefits of Using Helium Gas
- Better Arc Stability
First of all, helium stabilizes the welding arc, which reduces spattering and improves weld quality. - Faster Welding Speeds
In addition, helium’s higher thermal conductivity leads to faster welding speeds. This ultimately improves efficiency, especially in high-volume production. - Deeper Penetration
Furthermore, helium produces higher heat, which results in deeper weld penetration. This is ideal for welding thicker materials. - Higher Quality Welds
As a result, helium reduces oxidation and contamination, leading to cleaner and stronger welds.
Where is Helium Used in Welding?
- TIG Welding
For instance, helium is often used in TIG welding to increase heat and speed up the process. It is especially useful when welding non-ferrous metals like aluminum and copper. - Welding Exotic Metals
Moreover, helium is great for welding metals such as titanium and nickel alloys. It ensures precise, high-quality welds. - Pipe Welding
Similarly, helium is used for pipe welding, where high heat and deep penetration are required to ensure strong welds. - Aerospace and Automotive
In industries like aerospace and automotive, helium is relied upon for fast and precise welding of critical components. Without it, achieving the desired results would be difficult.
Choosing the Right Helium Mixture
While pure helium is effective for certain applications, it is often mixed with argon. The ideal mix ratio depends on the material and the welding process. Generally, more helium creates faster welding speeds and deeper penetration, while less helium provides better control over the weld.
Conclusion
In conclusion, helium gas for welding plays a critical role in improving weld quality, speed, and arc stability. Its use in industries like aerospace, automotive, and pipe welding makes it a vital component for high-performance welding. By understanding its benefits and applications, welders can improve their work efficiency and achieve better results.
