TIG Welding
Manual welding process using a non-consumable tungsten electrode with separate filler rod and argon shielding gas. Produces the highest quality welds of any arc process but is the slowest. Used for critical applications, thin materials, and non-ferrous metals.
TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the arc while a separate filler rod is fed by hand. Argon gas shields the weld pool. TIG produces the highest-quality welds of any arc process but is the slowest and requires the most operator skill. It is the standard process for stainless steel, aluminum, chromoly, and any application where weld appearance and purity matter more than speed.
TIG Welding Electrodes
TIG Rod Questions
What TIG filler rod for mild steel?
ER70S-2 is the preferred TIG filler rod for mild steel. Its triple deoxidizer system (zirconium, titanium, aluminum) produces the cleanest welds. ER70S-6 also works as TIG filler but is optimized for MIG.
Do you always need filler rod for TIG welding?
No. Autogenous TIG welding (no filler) works for thin material where the base metal itself provides enough weld pool. For most structural work and material over 1/16 inch, filler rod is needed for proper joint strength.
What size TIG filler rod should I use?
Match the filler rod diameter to the material thickness. 1/16 inch rod for thin material, 3/32 inch for medium, 1/8 inch for thicker sections. The rod should be roughly the same thickness as the base metal.