PLASMA WELDING PROCESS
PLASMA welding, an evolution of TIG welding, is carried out by bringing the edges of the workpiece to fusion. The heat is produced through an electric arc that strikes between the workpiece and an infusible electrode. A strongly ionized gas (PLASMA) stimulates the arc.
PLASMA is useful in increasing the heat generated by the process, which can melt a greater amount of material than TIG. More thickness can be welded thanks keyhole method, weld metal can be thin e full penetrated.
The whole process can take place with or without filler material but always under protection of an inert gas that prevents atmospheric contamination.
Advantages
- High accuracy due to its more intense and concentrated heat source than TIG welding
- Possibility to weld greater thicknesses in a single pass (from 3 up to 10mm)
- For the same thicknesses to be welded, requires lower current intensity
- Reduction of welding fumes
Application fields
Plasma welding is a very advanced technique used mainly in large-scale industry because of the degree of automation it can provide, while it turns out to be little used in the “do-it-yourself”.
This technique is applicable to all metals used in the aviation and energy industries and also in precision mechanics through microPLASMA.
Fun fact
The term plasma is used to identify the so-called “fourth state of matter,” when it is no longer composed of atoms and molecules but of ions and electrons. This state is often found in the universe, particularly in stars.