TIG welding works by forming an electric arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The tungsten does not melt — it creates the heat that melts the parent material, while filler metal is added separately by hand if required. An inert shielding gas, usually pure Argon, protects the weld pool from oxygen and moisture. Because the operator controls the torch and filler rod independently, TIG delivers exceptional precision and very clean welds.
What is TIG welding?
TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, officially known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a precision welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc, with a separate filler rod added manually when required. Pure Argon shielding gas protects the weld pool from contamination. TIG produces clean, high-quality welds with excellent appearance and is widely used for stainless steel, aluminium, titanium and specialist alloys. It is slower than MIG welding, but offers greater control, making it ideal where weld quality is critical.
How does TIG welding work?
TIG welding uses an electric arc formed between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece. The tungsten does not melt; instead, it creates the heat needed to melt the parent material, while filler metal is added separately if required. Pure Argon shielding gas protects the weld from oxygen and moisture. Because the operator controls both the torch and the filler rod independently, TIG welding provides exceptional precision and produces clean, high-quality welds.
What is pulse TIG welding?
Pulse TIG welding alternates between a high and a low welding current to reduce overall heat input while maintaining penetration. This improves control on thin materials, reduces distortion and produces a consistent weld profile. Pulse TIG is commonly used in aerospace, food processing, pharmaceutical and precision engineering applications.
What does “walking the cup” mean?
Walking the cup is a TIG welding technique where the ceramic nozzle is rocked along the joint to produce a consistent weave pattern. It is commonly used on pipe welding because it improves consistency and helps maintain a stable arc length. The technique requires practice but produces highly uniform welds.
How do you set up a TIG torch?
Fit the correct tungsten, collet, ceramic nozzle and gas lens if required. Ensure the tungsten is sharpened correctly, set the shielding gas flow rate, and check all torch components for wear before welding. Proper torch set-up improves arc stability and extends consumable life. For more detail on choosing and preparing tungsten, see our TIG tungsten electrode guide.
What is a gas lens?
A gas lens replaces the standard collet body inside a TIG torch and improves shielding gas coverage by creating a smoother gas flow around the tungsten. Gas lenses allow the tungsten to extend further beyond the ceramic nozzle while maintaining effective shielding, making them particularly useful when welding stainless steel, pipework and difficult-to-access joints.
What are TIG welding consumables?
TIG consumables include tungsten electrodes, filler rods, ceramic nozzles, collets, collet bodies, gas lenses, back caps and contact components. Replacing worn consumables regularly improves weld quality and extends torch life, and using quality consumables helps maintain consistent welding performance. For buying advice, see our guide to buying TIG welders and consumables.
How can I improve my TIG welding?
Improving TIG welding starts with preparation. Clean materials thoroughly, sharpen the tungsten correctly, use the correct filler rod and maintain a short, consistent arc length. Practise torch control and filler rod technique to achieve smoother, more consistent welds.