Figure 15-44.—Typical water-cooled GTA welding torch.
Welding Equipment
Gas tungsten-arc welding equipment is produced by
many manufacturers. For this reason, it is very important
to remember that the equipment being discussed in this
chapter is only one of the many types that can be found
throughout the Navy. However, the functions of similar
component parts of different makes of machines are
identical, although they may not appear to be so.
TORCHES.-–Manually operated torches are
constructed to conduct both the welding current and the
inert gas to the weld zone. These torches are either air
or water cooled. Air-cooled torches are designed for
welding light gauge materials where low current values
are used. Water-cooled torches (fig. 15-44) are
recommended when the welding requires amperages
over 200 amps. A circulating stream of water flows
around the torch to keep it from overheating. The
tungsten electrode, which supplies the welding current,
is held rigidly in the torch by means of a collet that
screws into the body of the torch. A variety of collet
sizes are available so different diameter electrodes can
be used. Gas is fed to the weld zone through a nozzle,
which consists of a ceramic cup. Gas cups are threaded
into the torch head to provide directional and
distributional control of the shielding gas. The cups are
interchangeable to accommodate a variety of gas flow
rates. Gas cups vary in size. The size you should use
depends upon the type and size of torch and the diameter
of the electrode.
Pressing a control switch on the torch starts the flow
of both the current and gas. On some equipment, the
flow of current and gas is energized by a foot control.
The advantage of the foot control is that the variable
current flow can be used as the end of the weld is
reached. By gradually decreasing the current, it is less
likely for a cavity to remain in the end of the weld puddle
and less danger of cutting short the shielding gas.
ELECTRODES.—Pure tungsten, or tungsten
alloyed with thorium or zirconium, is the best electrode
for gas tungsten-arc welding. The addition of thorium
increases the current capacity and electron emission,
keeps the tip cooler at a given level of current, minimizes
movement of the are around the electrode tip, permits
easier arc starting, and the electrode is not as easily
contaminated by accidental contact with the work piece.
The diameter of the electrode selected for a welding
operation is governed by the welding current to be used.
Larger diameter tungsten electrodes are required with
reversed polarity than with straight polarity.
To produce good welds, the tungsten electrode must
be shaped correctly. The general practice is to use a
pointed electrode with dc welding, and a spherical end
with ac welding. It is also important that the electrode
be straight, otherwise the gas flow will be off-center
from the arc.
SHIELDING GASES.—Shielding gas for gas
tungsten-arc welding can be argon, helium, or a mixture
of argon and helium. Argon is the most popular
shielding gas used in the gas tungsten-arc process.
15-32
