As a welding expert with years of experience in the field, I can provide a comprehensive comparison between ARC and TIG welding. ARC welding, which stands for "Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Vapor Deposition," is a process that involves the use of a gas shield to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. TIG welding, on the other hand, is an abbreviation for "Tungsten Inert Gas" welding, a technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the arc for welding.

Key Differences:


1. Electrode Type: In ARC welding, a consumable electrode wire is used which melts and becomes part of the weld. TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that does not melt and does not become part of the weld.


2. Welding Rod: ARC welding often utilizes a welding rod that the welder manually feeds into the weld pool. TIG welding does not require a filler rod as the weld pool is created by the heat from the electric arc.


3. Shielding Gas: Both processes use a shielding gas to protect the weld area from contamination. In ARC welding, the shielding is often provided by the gas that is released from the welding wire itself. TIG welding uses an external source of shielding gas, usually argon or helium.


4. Heat Input: TIG welding typically has a lower heat input compared to ARC welding, which can be beneficial for welding thin materials or when precision is required.


5. Control and Precision: TIG welding offers greater control and precision due to the manual manipulation of the electrode and filler rod. ARC welding can be automated for higher production rates but offers less control over the weld quality.


6. Applications: ARC welding is often used for thicker materials and in applications where high deposition rates are needed. TIG welding is preferred for thinner materials, intricate work, and when a high-quality finish is required.

7.
Skill Level: TIG welding generally requires a higher level of skill to master due to the manual dexterity and control needed. ARC welding can be easier for beginners to learn but still requires practice to achieve quality welds.

8.
Equipment: The equipment for TIG welding is typically more complex and expensive due to the need for a high-frequency starter, foot pedal for gas and electrode control, and a separate power supply for the electrode. ARC welding equipment is generally simpler and less expensive.

9.
Post-Weld Cleaning: TIG welding usually results in less spatter and requires less post-weld cleaning compared to ARC welding.

10.
Safety: Both methods require proper safety measures, including protective clothing, eye protection, and ventilation. However, the intense light emitted during TIG welding may require additional eye protection.

In summary, while both ARC and TIG welding use an electric arc to join materials, they differ significantly in terms of electrode type, welding rod usage, shielding gas, heat input, control and precision, applications, skill level, equipment, post-weld cleaning, and safety considerations.

read more >>

The major difference between Mig and Tig welding is that one process uses a continuously feeding wire (MIG) and the other you use long welding rods and slowly feed them into the weld puddle (TIG). MIG and TIG welding both use an electric arc to make the weld.read more >>