Why are my TIG welds GREY?

Why are my TIG welds GREY?

The gray is caused because the metal is too hot after the shielding gas is removed from it and the weld has absorbed impurities from the atmosphere.

What color should a stainless TIG weld be?

Oxide lessens the ability of stainless metal to resist corrosion. Corrosion puts the integrity of the weld in jeopardy. That’s why it’s best to strive for a shiny chrome color in your weld.

Why are my welds dull?

Dull/Shiny welds. based metal more or take longer. When you complete the welds the gas shielding may be stopping before the welds have cooled enough. A little more gas flow with a gas lens and a large cup may help.

What shade should I use for TIG welding?

Typical weld shade ranges are between shade #8 to #13. When the helmet is in the down position, you will see through a light lens allowing for clear visibility and evaluation of the weld piece and the surrounding area. Once the weld arc is struck, the helmet will automatically darken to the shade you have selected.

Why are my MIG welds GREY?

This involves the lack of serious metal prep. Whether its mild steel, stainless or aluminum, and you are welding with MIG or TIG, it doesn’t matter, you can get dull gray welds, or discolored welds if you don’t properly clean the metal. This goes beyond a light sanding with sandpaper.

Can you weld with shade 5 glasses?

Shade Number 5 For light work, shade 5 welding glasses are usually sufficient. However, it should not be used if your work activity involves arcs, such as MIG and TIG, because they’re not dark enough to shield your eyes from the very bright light of the arc.

Why are my TIG welds turning gray?

When you have completed a nice, shiny TIG weld, it is a great accomplishment. Sometimes, though, they can turn out gray and dull-looking, and you don’t know why it happened or how to fix them. Why are your TIG welds gray? A TIG weld that looks gray may be a result of surface oxidation.

What causes discoloration on stainless steel after welding?

Response from weldingtipsandtricks.com on stainless steel welds. Discoloration is oxidation. It is just a matter of the argon shielding envelope leaving the hot metal before it has a chance to cool enough to not oxidize. That is why gas welding steel with an oxyfuel torch looks so gray all over.

What is TIG welding and how does it work?

The weld bead is supposed to bond with the metal, creating a strong bond with the right amount of fusion and penetration. In TIG welding, it is also important that the weld is clean, good-looking and the same color as the base metal, inside and out.

What should I look for when choosing shield gas for TIG welding?

Before starting the welding process, though, you should always check that it is not the gas itself that is causing the contamination/oxidation issues. When choosing shield gas, make sure to look at the cylinder label to be certain that you are using the right type of gas for TIG welding.