Shielding gas protects molten metal from atmospheric contaminants, such as oxygen and nitrogen, that can cause defects in the weld. These contaminants can lead to porosity, brittleness, and other undesirable properties.
Helium and argon are two of the most commonly used shielding gases. Both have their own unique properties and advantages, which makes them suitable for different types of welds and materials.
To start comparing and contrasting helium and argon as welding shielding gases, we’ll take a deep dive into helium! Let’s start discussing its properties, advantages, disadvantages, and best use cases to help you make informed decisions.
Helium is a noble gas known for its lightweight nature and high thermal conductivity. Its atomic weight is significantly lower than that of argon, which means it can transfer heat more efficiently to the workpiece. Its key advantages include:
Helium is particularly well-suited for applications involving stainless steel, aluminum, and high-strength steel used in aerospace and automotive applications.
While helium offers several advantages in welding applications, it also has some potential drawbacks that should be considered:
When deciding whether to use helium as a welding shielding gas, factors like which material type and welding processes you’ll be using must be considered. Helium is often preferred for processes that require high heat input, such as gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and plasma arc welding (PAW).
You can also weigh the potential benefits of using helium against the increased costs associated with its use. In some cases, the improved weld quality or increased productivity may justify the higher cost.
Argon is another noble gas commonly used as a shielding gas in welding. Compared to helium, argon has a higher atomic weight and lower thermal conductivity. Key advantages of argon as a welding shielding gas include:
Argon is commonly used for welding applications involving carbon steel, mild steel, and a variety of other metals like aluminum and copper.
Oxygen Service Company offers an uninterrupted supply of a wide range of gases, including industrial argon. We even have an on-site chemist and analyst to test our gases before they’re delivered directly from our truck to your facility.
While argon offers several advantages, it also has some potential drawbacks:
When deciding whether to use argon as a welding shielding gas, factors like the welding process being used and the desired weld properties must be considered. Argon is often preferred for processes that require a slower cooling rate, such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW).
Keep in mind that helium may be a better choice if the desired weld properties include high strength, low distortion, and a clean finish. However, if cost, ease of use, and adequate weld quality are the primary concerns, argon can be a suitable option.
The choice between helium and argon as a shielding gas for your welding project depends on several factors. We’ve run through the key differences, but as a final check, be sure to consider:
In some cases, a gas mixture may be used to combine the benefits of helium and argon. For example, a mixture of helium and argon can provide improved arc stability and penetration compared to pure argon while still maintaining a reasonable cost.
Other alternative shielding gases that may be considered include carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and hydrogen. These gases have their own unique properties and advantages, and their suitability for a particular welding application will vary.
Are you in need of high-quality argon or bulk helium for your welding applications? Oxygen Service Company Gas offers competitive pricing, reliable delivery, and exceptional customer service. Contact us today to learn more about how we can meet your specific gas needs!
