Shielding gases are used to assist in welding, and they have a substantial impact on arc stability. Similarly, tungsten inert gas TIG welding also uses shielding gases. Carbon dioxide is not an inert gas; it is active in nature, and TIG welding strictly requires inert gases.
So, no, you can not use C25 for TIG welding. Carbon dioxide contains oxygen, and it aids oxidation and generates a poor weld. Welds will fail if either the melted filler material or the welded metal oxidizes.
TIG welding creates different types of joints, such as butt joints, T joints, fillet joints, and lap joints, each having its own industrial use. The carbon mixture allows better control for the welder and creates versatile designs. Read more to know the important uses of carbon dioxide in welding.
Some Important Uses of CO2
Here are some important uses of CO2:
- Protects the Metal
- Enhances weld quality
- Precision
- Less Splatter
- Inexpensive
- Welding Thick Materials
- Catalyzes the welding process
Continue reading to learn more about carbon dioxide’s role in welding.
How Does C25 Aid Welding?
Welding makes extensive use of a 25% carbon dioxide mixture. The following are the ways in which C25 assists the welding process:
- Carbon dioxide is stabilized by argon in the C25 gas mix, resulting in a smooth, balanced weld.
- A finished weld usually has a flatter surface profile and a cleaner appearance.
- Pure carbon dioxide offers deep weld penetration, which catalyzes the welding process and is useful when welding thicker metals.
- Weld spatter is minimal when carbon dioxide (C25) is used with the correct settings.
- There is little or no clean-up required after welding mild steel or low carbon steel.
Continue reading to find out if carbon dioxide mixtures with other gases can be used for welding.
Can You Use CO2 Instead Of Argon?
Some welding procedures require a mixture of gases. Carbon dioxide (C02) is a difficult gas to use on thin metal surfaces.
It is advised that you use a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide (CO2) for MIG welding and only use 100% argon for TIG welding. Combining carbon dioxide and argon generates better results, such as a softer arc. The weld joints are malleable and soft, in contrast to when 100% carbon dioxide is used.
Only a few MIG welders function well with pure 100% CO2 as a protective gas, but not all. However, if cost is an issue and you are not looking for a visually appealing weld, then MIG welding with 100% CO2 is a suitable option.
Pure carbon dioxide gas is readily available and is cheaper than other alternatives. However, it requires more cleaning up after you are finished welding because it creates a lot of splatters.
Conclusion
A nice balanced weld is achieved by adding argon to the C25 gas mix. Carbon dioxide mixed with argon results in neater welds and less splatter. Therefore, it is recommended that you only use 100% carbon dioxide (CO2) for your welding projects if you do not have any other choice. Lower operating costs are the most common reason people weld with carbon dioxide (CO2).
