TIG and stick welding are popular welding methods in use today. You need to know which method suits the job if you must achieve a successful welding project. One of the questions people often ask is if TIG welding is as strong as stick welding?
TIG welding is as strong, if not stronger than stick welding because it is well suited for artwork, ornamental designs, stainless steel, and automotive applications. When it absolutely has to look perfect, and you can afford the required time, TIG welding is the preferred technique.
To have a better understanding of their individual capacity. In this article, I will explain the processes involved in TIG welding and Stick welding, comparing both welding techniques, also stating their benefits and drawbacks.
How Strong is TIG Welding?
Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding is an eminently versatile and strong procedure for fusing metals. This method of welding does not only produce strong bonds, but because the end result of the welding process undertakes similar anti-corrosion attributes as the original metal, it is normally used in the fabrication of special kinds of aircraft, spacecraft, automobile components, and naval craft.
TIG welding is regarded as the highest class of welding. With regards to the efficiency, excellence, and cleanliness of the resulting weld, the TIG method is unmatched. Many cosmetic welding specialists and artists use this process due to its high quality and clean appearance.
If you must thoroughly grasp the vital position that TIG welding performs in this modern-day industrialized society and the hallmark specialized features of TIG welds, it is significant to understand the overall fundamental concepts of welding, and what makes TIG stand out from other welding processes.
How Does TIG Welding Work?
In place of a metal electrode, TIG welding applies a non-inflammable tungsten electrode. Tungsten can be boiled to a raised temperature prior to melting, so TIG welding warrants that extra filler is applied. The engineer passes this filler through the weld area using one hand, then he controls the torch with the other. Similarly, he operates a control pedal that determines the heat intake with one foot as he welds.
Benefits of TIG Welding
- It produces a remarkable degree of exquisite weld beads.
- The TIG method produces the cleanest and most elegant pleasant work there is.
- The method gives the welder a high level of control over the weld, giving room for strong welds with higher quality.
- TIG welding offers better control of heat intake than other welding processes.
Downside of TIG Welding
- TIG has a high difficulty level of learning and mastery compared to the other processes.
- It demands a skilled operator, as it requires that both hands and feet be used concurrently.
- TIG welding is considerably slower in application than the MIG or stick method.
- It demands that the exterior of the workpiece be spotless, void of paint, debris and rust.
Stick Welding (Shielded-Metal Arc)
Stick welding is a rather old but simple method. It is a popular choice because it is cost efficient and a more suitable choice for a learner.
How Does Stick Welding Work?
In stick welding, an inflammable rod coated with flux (simply an electrode) is used in laying the weld. During the procedure, the electrode and the metal workpiece melt together to form a weld pool. The molten pool cools and hardens into a joint between the two.
Benefits of Stick Welding
- Stick welding is easy and saves money.
- It is fashioned to fit outdoor and windy situations.
- It works well on metals with rust and dirt.
- Stick welding is moderately versatile because it can be used in aluminum, steel, iron, copper alloys, and nickel welding.
- One of its advantages is flux, as the flux pattern transforms the chemical pattern of the weld.
- In addition, unlike in other processes, no shielding gas is demanded in stick welding. This is because the flux coating on the electrode breaks down in the process, discharging vapors that shield the weld from environmental contamination.
Downsides of Stick Welding
- Not as efficient as other processes.
- A huge disadvantage of stick welding is the fact that the end product is not as tidy as that of other methods.
- Molten splatter often occurs and demands a substantial amount of cleaning and sanding after welding. This results in extra labor time and cost.
- The stick welding method is also inefficient when it comes to a welder’s time. The welder spends about 25% of his or her work time just laying weld, as a great deal of time is spent between random electrode changes, thorough post-weld tidying, and related factors.
Is There a Difference Between TIG and Stick Welding?
TIG and stick welding are both electric arc welding techniques that make use of an inert gas, usually helium or argon, throughout the weld joint to avoid oxidation.
The major difference between the both methods has to do with the electrode. TIG welding applies a tungsten electrode which produces the electric arc between the metal workpiece and the torch. Because tungsten has a high melting temperature over 6,000° F, the tungsten electrode is not destroyed in the process of welding. The end result is that TIG welding appears to be extremely controllable producing a consistent electric arc with a strong, accurate, and clean weld.
Unlike TIG welding, in stick or arc welding, the electrode is inflammable. This electrode takes on the filler metal rod and melts to become a part of the weld joint itself. Also inside the electrode or rod is a flux, which acts as a barrier against environmental contamination.
Also, usually the flux in stick welding electrodes contains an inert gas inside it, ruling out the need for a foreign gas supply. As a flaw, stick welding can generate spatter and in general produces a much coarser weld than TIG.
If anything, it’s imperative that you understand how each works. You can now see that each technique has its unique benefits and downsides. And even though both techniques are used to weld metal, there is a difference in function.