TIG welding is considered to be one of the most stable and controllable arc welding processes. However, it is now well known that small changes in base metal chemical composition and in the welding environment can have a deep effect on the resulting weld bead. Obviously, this reduces the reliability and controllability of TIG welding. This paper reviews TIG aspects of weld bead changes associated tosmall changes in base metal composition, and to active flux TIG (A-TIG) and active gas TIG welding. Aspects that are similar and unique to each case are highlighted and discussed. The mechanisms of weld bead shape presented in the literature are also presented and discussed.
A-TIG; GTAW; sulfur; oxygen; penetration
