Metal fabrication industry

Inert gas, 1.38 times heavier than air. It has a low ionisation potential which facilitates the ignition and re-ignition of the arc, giving it a high stability, generating few fumes. Its low thermal input promotes conical penetration. Being heavier than air, it offers good air displacement. It is used as a base for welding mixtures.

Inert gas at room temperature but reactive at arc temperature. It is used in small percentages providing good stability, increasing thermal input and fluidity and increasing speed. Thicker penetrations than argon. Widely used alone or mixed with hydrogen as a back-up gas. Assist gas in laser cutting.

Low density inert gas. It is not usually used pure. It has a high ionisation potential, which on the one hand provides low stability and costly ignitions, and on the other hand, the advantage of being able to work with extreme parameters. This, together with its high thermal conductivity, provides highly energetic arcs and very fluid baths, which increases the welding speed.

Reducing gas, which generates glossy finishes. Generates highly energetic arcs depending on the percentage in the mixture due to its high thermal conductivity and dissociation energy. It has a plasmogenic effect. Offers good arc stability and fluidity.

Oxidising gas 1.53 times denser than air, providing good protection. It has a low ionisation potential, which is why it began to be used in the MAG (Metal Active Gas) process. It generates energetic arcs due to dissociation and recombination but not very stable and not very fluid baths with a high rate of projections and fumes giving nut-like penetrations.

Oxidising gas par excellence, 1.11 times heavier than air. Its reaction with carbon is the basis of the cutting process of carbon steels. In welding it is used in small percentages generating surface oxides in the droplets and the bath giving a high fluidity, increasing the speed and improving the finish. High stability and conical penetrations.