Although tig welding uses a passive gas shield, it gives different metals a perfect and refined look. A mixture of argon and CO2 is an inexpensive solution that gives you a clean weld experience. But, can you use argon CO2 mix for tig welding?
The argon and CO2 mix should not be used in Tig welding as it causes oxidation and makes a bad weld. As the mixture contains oxygen, its active part will attack the tungsten and render it useless in the shortest possible time. Moreover, it produces more spatters and creates weld brittleness.
The above information may not be enough for you as it has not been discussed in detail yet. There is some more crucial information that you should know about using argon and CO2 mix in tig welding. So, in the further discussion of this article, you will learn some specific things about this.
4 Reasons Why You Should Not Use Argon CO2 Mix For Tig Welding:
Some reasons will tell you why the mix of argon and CO2 should not be used in tig welding. Learn about the reasons below to clear your conception:
1. Affects The Weld Badly:
Tig welding is said to use a frequency that produces fewer spatters. Even after using the correct frequency, the weld gets more spatters if you use argon and CO2 mix. It considerably reduces the corrosion resistance by making contact with the welded puddle. It creates cracks in the welding in turn.
If you have previously used a mixture of argon and CO2 for MIG welding, you might consider the same for TIG. You should know that it has an inferior effect on tig welding.
2. Burns The Tungsten Electrode:
CO2 has an active effect that is detrimental to Tig welding. Because an inert gas is always used in this welding. The use of CO2 in tig welding increases the arc voltage, as well as the amount of injury in the hole. Moreover, it burns the tungsten electrode and makes it useless quickly.
You should know that other strong metals, including stainless steel, are sensitive to the presence of hydrogen, air, water, and oxygen. Therefore, you should avoid contact with these things while doing Tig welding.
3. Pollutes The Environment:
C02 is generally an unsuitable gas for the environment. Although it is not uncommon in all cases, it combines with argon to form a weak weld when tig welding is used. Since carbon dioxide is an active gas, it burns whatever it comes in contact with. At the same time, it pollutes the environment.
You need to use proper shielding gas to avoid contamination. In this case, argon gas is recommended to protect the weld puddle and keep your environment better.
4. Cause Porosity:
Argon and CO2 together can never be a good mixture solution. No matter how well you mix them, they both become separated after a particular time. This mixture creates porosity in the tig welding metal. Also, it creates cracks in your weld and makes it fail.
Some rules for mixing argon and CO2 can give you some good results. But, most of the time, it should be avoided. If you want to apply this process, mix in a particular proportion.
Levels Of Argon CO2 Mixing That Can Be Used For Tig Welding:
The combination of argon and CO2 in tig welding does not always disappoint you. Different levels of mixing are suggested that can give you better results. The following table will be helpful in this case:
| Mixing Level | Performance | Output |
| Argon + CO2 (15%) | Suitable for use in short circuit welding and allows thick-gauge materials to melt. | Reduces the effects of contaminant transport, with a better output. |
| Argon + CO2 (25%) | Allows welding metals with a high voltage level. | Controls the arc with stability. |
| Argon + CO2 (5%) | Supports a vibrating spray transfer and short-circuits when welding. | Provides a better weld puddle. |
| Argon + CO2 (10%) | A short circuit produces excess heat during transfer. | Can expect a lot of fluid puddles. |
| Argon + CO2 (20%) | This method embodies spray or short-circuit transfer. | Need to expect more stuffing than 1% mix for better results. |
| Argon + CO2 (40%) | The right petrol amount is required to ensure good penetration. | Better to reduce some spatter. |
| Argon + CO2 (50%) | Works well in short-arc process pipe welding. | Somewhat better for the work. |
6 Tips You Should Follow While Using Argon CO2 Mix For Tig Welding:
The combination of CO2 with argon is not entirely frustrating. In some cases, it can give you better output if you follow the tips below:
Tip-1: Do not leave more than 20% of carbon dioxide in the mixture because it will destabilize the spray transfer mode. You can also witness incidents like short-circuiting.
Tip-2: Mixing 5% CO2 with argon may be a good option as it eliminates the complication of spray transfer during tig welding. Moreover, it gives you the most controllable weld poodle.
Tip-3: You can keep a 10% presence of CO2 because it will give better output than 5%. Also, this mix is good if you expect a wider puddle.
Tip-4: Since CO2 is an active gas, it can be dissolved in a thin-gauge substance. So to get a good product, you can use 15% CO2 in the mixture.
Tip-5: It is not ideal to produce extra spatter during tig welding as it prevents your welding from being perfect. Remember that you must be careful before using most of the CO2.
Tip-6: If there is a high level of CO2 in the argon CO2 mixture, it further weakens your tig welding. It can also cause various unexpected problems such as spatter growth.
Related Questions About Using Argon CO2 Mix For Tig Welding:
Do Argon And CO2 Make Poor Cutting Gas For Tig Welding?
The CO2 and argon mix in tig welding is not recommended as it produces poor cutting in most cases. Filler metals and the tungsten electrodes get burnt instantly with the contact of CO2 gas. Although it gives a weak weld, it can still be used in the presence of small amounts of carbon.
It is better not to use CO2. But, if you want to use it mixed with pure argon, it has a certain level that you should not exceed. Argon can be used with caution at 10-15% levels of carbon dioxide.
Is Argon CO2 Mixture Worth It To Use For Tig Welding?
Using the mixture of argon and carbon dioxide in tig welding is not considered a good idea, although it may be convenient for some welding. Pure argon is good for most tig welds, but you should make sure that welding is protected from active gas.
The excessive presence of activated gas such as carbon dioxide can damage your weld. But, the mixture of argon CO2 is not always worthless. The ratio of the mixture needs to be evaluated to get the best laminar flow.
Can You Use Argon Shield Without CO2 For TIG Welding?
Argon shields work very well without CO2 in tig welding. You can add helium as an addition which helps to deepen the weld by increasing the fluidity. A mixture of argon and helium without CO2 is quite better for tig welding.
However, if you want to get more special properties in welding, you can use nitrogen or hydrogen. Still, some consideration needs to be given to the mix of hydrogen with argon as it affects very strongly.
What Mix Level Of Argon CO2 Can You Use For Tig Welding?
You can use a certain level of carbon dioxide with argon, following the proper method. This may allow tig welding to use a mixture of these. Compared to hydrogen, CO2 reacts complexly with tig welding when combined with argon. You need to know what percentage of CO2 should be kept in argon.
It is generally recommended to use 5% to 20% CO2, as it is safe and does no harm to your welding. By no means should CO2 exceed 20% as it burns the tungsten electrode unexpectedly. Stay between 5% and 15% to get the best results.
Can You Combine Argon, Helium, And CO2 For Tig Welding?
The combination of three gasses – argon, helium, and CO2 is not ideal for your tig welding although it is a bit effective when welding MIG in stainless steel. But, this feature may not be perfect for tig welding as CO2 reacts badly with tungsten particles. It has already been said that the active gas is not suitable for tungsten.
CO2 strongly affects the electrode when it comes in contact with electricity. However, most helium can be mixed with argon which makes your tig welding perfect. This mixture works well in tig welding without any damage. Do not combine argon, helium, and CO2 in tig welding.
Final Words:
Using a proper shielding gas in tig welding will give you the best welding output. Argon and CO2 mix will contaminate your weld, and increase porosity and spatter. Moreover, depleting the electrode will weaken your welding. But, it can be used in rated levels.
It is discussed in this article as clearly as possible why CO2 and argon are not an ideal mixture for tig welding. Hopefully, the above-mentioned information has given you the right idea. Choose a suitable shielding gas to make tig welding more standard.
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