Which type of gas is typically used in a GTAW setup?

In a Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) setup, argon is typically used as a shielding gas. Shielding gas plays a crucial role in protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, which can lead to defects in the weld. Argon is preferred because it is inert, meaning it does not react with the molten metal, providing a stable environment for the weld. This results in a cleaner and more controlled welding process.

While helium is also used in some GTAW applications due to its higher thermal conductivity, argon remains the most common choice for general applications. Oxygen and acetylene are not suitable for GTAW; they are primarily used in oxy-fuel welding processes, which operate under different principles than GTAW. Therefore, the correct choice of argon as the shielding gas underscores its importance in achieving high-quality welds in GTAW.