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As a joining method, welding has been around for centuries. Today, roughly 100 welding methods are used in different industry sectors. The use of industrial gases (whether as individual gases or gas mixtures) to optimize welding processes dates back to the 40s and 50s. Since then the shielding-gas-based welding processes have emerged to be the predominant group of welding methods.
Important gas-shielded welding methods are MIG, MAG, TIG and plasma. The 80s and 90s saw many welding innovations. These included laser, tandem and laser-hybrid welding. MAG welding is the preferred method for normal unalloyed steels, but is used as well on stainless steels and other materials.
In all arc processes, the electrode, the molten pool and the heat-affected metal parts must be protected from reaction with the ambient air. Shielding gases play an important role in this protection. The shielding gas is added via the welding nozzle, protecting the electrode and the molten pool. Proper protection is achieved by selecting the correct shielding gas, which will positively affect:
- Weld properties such as strength, toughness and corrosion resistance
- The weld bead shape and size
- Weld porosity and fusion
- Welding speed and amount of spatter
Protecting the weld is a primary function of the shielding gas, but protecting our welders and our environment is equally important. This is why Linde has developed several lines of shielding gas.
CORGON mixtures are a well established family of shielding gases for welding of carbon and low alloy steels. Corgon shielding gases are argon-based mixtures with additions of active gas, mainly carbon dioxide in concentrations above 5% and sometimes oxygen. How much of these active gas gases is added depends on the application
CRONIGON mixtures are the correct choice for GMA welding of stainless steel. These gases are also argon-based but the carbon dioxide content is held below 5% to protect the integrity of the stainless steel. Helium with its high thermal conductivity and ionization potential may be added to achieve a deeper and broader penetration
VARIGON mixtures are the ecommended line of shielding gas for GTA welding of stainless steels, aluminum titanium and copper. In contrast to the CORGON and CRONIGON lines, VARIGON gases contain and oxidizing components only in very small amounts, if at all. Helium, Hydrogen and Nitrogen may be added depending on the application for superior performance.
MISON® is a family of shielding gases for various welding applications. Each mixture has been developed for a specific type of welding application to bring you the very best results. Additives in MISON also significantly reduce ozone formation during welding, which can greatly improve the working environment. Whatever your base metal, filler metal or method, you can select from the MISON range to achieve higher deposition rates, improved weld characteristics and the right weld quality and appearance. |
