Argon 4.

6 (Argon pur)
Combining versatility with the benefits of easy arc starts to optimise your productivity

As a pure gas, argon is used for MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials such as aluminium alloys,
copper alloys and titanium. It is the most common gas for TIG welding of both carbon and low-alloy steels
because of its versatility. The welding arc is very easy to initiate, making argon ideal for all types of arc
initiation systems. Argon has the added advantage of being suitable for purging applications.

Argon is best suited to welding thin sections as it does not produce a very fluid weld pool. The ideal
operating range for MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials is up to 4mm and 3mm respectively,
although argon can be used successfully outside this band. In the case of carbon steel and stainless steel,
the recommended TIG welding range is up to 5mm and 3mm respectively. Once again, however, good
results can be obtained beyond these guideline values. Talk to our experts for qualified advice on your
individual application.

Benefits at a Glance

 Versatility – most popular shielding gas

 Excellent choice for TIG and MIG welding of ferrous materials
 Suited also to purging due to inert properties
 Supply flexibility – available in bulk or cylinders.

VARIGON H2 (Ar 98% + H 2%)

Increasing welding speeds and enhancing usability through the addition of hydrogen

VARIGON H2 is a two-component mixture containing 98% argon and 2% hydrogen. The addition of
hydrogen to argon creates a more fluid weld pool, which reduces porosity levels in the weld. The extra
energy released by the hydrogen also enables deeper penetration and better fusion. This improves the weld
quality and reduces the likelihood of defects.

A more fluid weld pool also accelerates welding speeds. As a result, argon mixed with hydrogen has the
added bonus of enhanced productivity compared with pure argon.

VARIGON H2 was developed specifically for TIG welding of austenitic stainless steel alloys across a
variety of material thicknesses. It is primarily used for manual welding with an ideal operating range of up
to about 10mm, although it can be used successfully outside this band. VARIGON H2 can also be
employed as a purging gas where a high-quality finish inside the component is required.

Benefits at a Glance

 Low surface oxidation, resulting in faster clean-up times and less cleaning chemicals
 Improved fusion for reduced reject rates and faster welding speeds
 Easier to use thanks to more fluid weld pool
 Neater, more consistent weld appearance
 Less gaseous fumes for improved workshop environment.
VARIGON H5 (Ar 95% + H 5%)
Increasing weld pool fluidity even further for faster welding speeds, better weld penetration and greater
fusion

VARIGON H5 is a two-component mixture containing 95% argon and 5% hydrogen. The addition of
hydrogen to argon creates a more fluid weld pool, which reduces porosity levels in the weld. The extra
energy released by the hydrogen also enables deeper penetration and better fusion. This improves the weld
quality and reduces the likelihood of defects.

A more fluid weld pool also increases welding speeds. As a result, argon mixed with hydrogen has the
added bonus of enhanced productivity compared with pure argon.

With a higher hydrogen concentration than VARIGON H2, VARIGON H5 is ideal for TIG welding of
austenitic stainless steel alloys across thicker welding sections. A much more fluid weld pool enables faster
welding speeds. This is particularly useful in speed-oriented automatic welding applications. VARIGON
H5 is thus primarily used for automatic and orbital welding with an ideal operating range of about 3 to
10mm, although it can be used successfully outside these guideline values. VARIGON H5 can also be
employed as a purging gas, but extra care must be taken if it is used for this purpose.

Benefits at a Glance

 Good penetration for greater weld depth and reduced weld prep effort
 Improved fusion and weld properties for reduced reject rates
 Higher welding speeds, resulting in greater productivity
 Ideal for automatic applications
 Lower costs due to reduced need for welding consumables.
VARIGON He30 (Ar 70% + He 30%)
Lowering production costs and increasing productivity with argon/helium mixtures

VARIGON He30 is a two-component mixture containing 70% argon and 30% helium. The addition of
helium to argon increases the supply of energy to the weld pool, making it more fluid. This, in turn,
increases the penetration profile and weld fusion characteristics. Both of these features help reduce the
likelihood of defects and need to rework.

The addition of helium to argon also increases welding speeds relative to pure argon. Benefits include
lower production costs and improved productivity.

VARIGON He30 is suited to MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials such as aluminium alloys,
copper alloys and titanium. It can also be used for TIG welding of carbon and stainless steels. The ideal
operating range for MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials is up to 6mm, although good results
can also be obtained outside this band. In the case of carbon and stainless steels, the recommended TIG
range is 1.6 to 10mm and up to 10mm respectively.

Benefits at a Glance

 Reduced porosity, resulting in improved quality, less rework effort and better mechanical properties
 Good gap bridging for easier welding and reduced reject rates
 Lower reinforcement levels with less stress on weld area, reduced wire usage and improved
productivity
 Improved (sidewall) fusion for stronger mechanical properties.

VARIGON He50 (Ar 50% + He 50%)

Increasing welding speeds by as much as 20% with the right argon/helium mixture

VARIGON He50 is a two-component mixture containing 50% argon and 50% helium. The addition of
helium to argon increases the supply of energy to the weld pool, making it more fluid. This, in turn,
increases the penetration profile and weld fusion characteristics. Both of these features help reduce the
likelihood of defects and the need to rework.

The addition of helium to argon also increases welding speeds relative to pure argon. Benefits include
lower production costs and improved productivity.

Increasing the helium share to 50% produces a more fluid weld pool than VARIGON He30, making
VARIGON He50 ideal for thicker components. It can be used for both MIG and TIG welding of non-
ferrous materials such as aluminium alloys, copper alloys and titanium. The ideal operating range for MIG
and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials is 3 to 10mm, although it can be used successfully outside this
band. VARIGON He50 is suited to both manual and automatic welding equipment.

Benefits at a Glance

 Improved fusion with deep, wide weld beads thanks to high energy transfer from helium
 Reduced risk of sidewall fusion defects
 Up to 20% speed gain compared with argon (6mm material)
 Reduced preheating effort and distortion with copper and thick aluminium
 Reduced weld prep effort, resulting in increased productivity and lower costs
 Lower gaseous fumes for enhanced workshop environment.
VARIGON He70 (Ar 30% + He 70%)
Increasing productivity and efficiency, whilst reducing overall production costs

VARIGON He70 is a two-component mixture containing 30% argon and 70% helium. The mixture of
helium and argon increases the supply of energy to the weld pool, making it more fluid. This, in turn,
increases the penetration profile and weld fusion characteristics. Both of these features help reduce the
likelihood of defects and the need to rework.

The addition of helium to argon also increases welding speeds relative to pure argon. Benefits include
lower production costs and improved productivity.

Increasing the helium share to 70% produces a very fluid weld pool with excellent fusion and penetration
characteristics, making VARIGON He70 ideal for MIG and TIG welding of thicker components made of
non-ferrous materials such as aluminium alloys, copper alloys and titanium. The ideal operating range for
MIG and TIG welding of non-ferrous materials is 6 to 12mm and upwards, although it can be used
successfully outside this band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Improved fusion with deep, wide weld beads thanks to high energy transfer from helium
 Reduced risk of sidewall fusion defects
 Up to 30% speed gain compared with argon (10mm material)
 Reduced preheating effort and distortion with copper and thick aluminium
 Reduced weld prep effort even relative to VARIGON He50, resulting in increased productivity and
lower production costs
 Lower gaseous fumes for enhanced workshop environment.

VARIGON N2.5 (Ar 97.5% + N 2.5%)

Extending design life by enhancing corrosion resistance of stainless steels

VARIGON N2.5 is a two-component mixture containing 97.5% argon and 2.5% nitrogen. The addition of
nitrogen to argon has the effect of balancing the weld metal microstructure for improved in-service
corrosion performance. This enhances resistance to pitting corrosion in particular. This mixture of argon
and nitrogen is specifically designed for TIG welding of duplex stainless steels, often selected specifically
for their resistance to corrosion. By enhancing that resistance, VARIGON N2.5 helps maintain the design
life of a component – reducing scrapping rates and additional costs. The ideal operating range is up to
8mm, although VARIGON N2.5 can be used successfully outside this band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Balanced weld metal microstructure

 Enhanced corrosion resistance properties
 Option of using cheaper consumables
 Ease of use with same welding speed and fusion characteristics as argon.
CORGON 5S2 (Ar 93% + CO2 5% + O + 2%)
Achieving excellent arc stability with minimum spatter

CORGON 5S2 is a three-component mixture comprising 93% argon, 5% carbon dioxide and 2% oxygen.
This three-part shielding gas is designed predominantly for welding thinner materials. The low levels of
carbon dioxide and oxygen in the weld reduce the likelihood of through-burns and holes in the weld area.

The addition of oxygen improves the flow of the molten weld metal, resulting in flatter welds with lower
levels of reinforcement. This can greatly reduce the need to machine or grind down the reinforcement –
which typically raises stress levels. All of which translates into lower production costs.

This mixture was specifically developed for MAG welding of carbon and steel alloys across a range of
material thicknesses. CORGON 5S2 can be used manually or with robotic or automatic equipment and is
best suited to material thicknesses between 0.7 and 6mm, although it can be used successfully outside this
band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Excellent arc stability with minimum spatter for shorter clean-up times and less welding wire
 Ideal for welding components that are painted or powder-coated after welding
 Reduced likelihood of through-burns and holes in the weld area thanks to low levels of carbon
dioxide and oxygen
 Improved molten weld metal flow for flatter welds and lower levels of reinforcement
 Reduced welding distortion thanks to faster welding speeds and low heat input.

CORGON 10 (Ar 90% + CO2 10%)

Saving time and reducing manufacturing costs by mixing carbon dioxide with argon

CORGON 10 is a two-component mixture comprising 90% argon and 10% carbon dioxide. This is a good
general-purpose shielding gas for MAG welding of carbon and steel alloys. The amount of spatter and slag
islands produced by CORGON 10 are low, making it ideal for applications where post-weld cleaning must
be kept to a minimum. By saving time, it cuts manufacturing costs. Low surface oxidation also makes it
suitable for applications that require post-weld painting.

CORGON 10 can be used manually or with robotic or automatic equipment and is best suited to material
thicknesses between 1 and 8mm, although it can be used successfully outside this band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Reduced post-weld cleaning with minimal slag on weld surface

 Low surface oxidation for enhanced paintability and reduced clean-up time
 Low spatter, resulting in less post-weld cleaning and improved paintability
 Improved workshop environment with lower particulate fume levels.
CORGON 18 (Ar 82% + CO2 18%)
Maximising time efficiencies with excellent penetration and fusion characteristics

CORGON 18 is a two-component mixture comprising 82% argon and 18% carbon dioxide. This mixture
produces welds with very good penetration and sidewall fusion, especially when dealing with thicker
materials. This reduces the number of defects in the weld, cutting down on rejected components. The high
CO2 content helps curbs surface contamination from oil, moisture or rust. This reduces pre-weld cleaning
and general manufacturing costs.

Ideal for both dip and spray applications, CORGON 18 was specifically developed for MAG welding of
carbon and steel alloys across a range of material thicknesses, particularly in the 5 to 12mm range. It can
be used manually or with robotic or automatic equipment.

Benefits at a Glance

 Good penetration profile for reduced reject rates

 Good fusion characteristics for stronger joints
 Reduced prep work and reworking through effective action on surface contamination.

CORGON 25 (Ar 75% + CO2 25%)

Creating a healthier workplace environment with lower levels of fume and spatter

CORGON 25 is a two-component mixture comprising 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide. This mixture is
used for Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) of steel and stainless steel, producing lower levels of fume and
spatter than pure carbon dioxide. This translates into a healthier workplace environment.

Benefits at a Glance

 Good penetration for greater weld depth

 Good fusion characteristics for improved weld properties.
CORGON 12S2 (Ar 86% + CO2 12% + O 2%)
Maximising your performance with high welding speeds over a range of conditions

CORGON 12S2 is a three-component mixture comprising 86% argon, 12% carbon dioxide and 2%
oxygen. Designed for maximum performance, it is the most stable and fluid shielding gas of its type. It
ensures low spatter levels along with good penetration and sidewall fusion. This reduces weld defects and
minimises reject levels. A wide current/voltage operating window makes it a popular choice among
welders.

CORGON 12S2 produces smooth, flat welds with low levels of reinforcement. This means it requires less
welding wire than other mixtures. The fluid nature of the molten weld metal ensures good wetting action at
the edges of the weld and the parent material, reducing the likelihood of stress defects.

This product has been specifically developed for MAG welding of carbon and low-alloy steels across a
range of material thicknesses, particularly in the 3 to 12mm range. It can be used manually or with robotic
or automatic equipment.

Benefits at a Glance

 Low spatter levels with good fusion and penetration

 Flat welds with low levels of reinforcement for increased productivity
 Fluid weld pool for speed advantage
 Minimum weld defects
 Easy to set up with wide current/voltage window.

CRONIGON 2 (Ar 97.5% + CO2 2.5%)

Lowering your manufacturing costs and shortening your production cycles with the added bonus of lower
oxidation potential

CRONIGON 2 is a two-component mixture comprising 97.5% argon and 2.5% carbon dioxide. Its lower
oxidation potential reduces the need for aggressive chemical cleaning agents. This lowers manufacturing
costs and shortens production processes.

This mixture is used for MAG welding across a wide variety of stainless steel alloys. It can be used in all
transfer modes. The ideal operating range is between 1 and 8mm, although it can be used successfully
outside this band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Low spatter for reduced post-weld cleaning and wire consumption

 Lower surface oxidation
 Enhanced surface quality – similar to that obtainable with helium mixtures
 Reduced clean-up time with the option of less aggressive cleaning methods
 Easier to use than argon and oxygen mixtures, resulting in few operator-related defects
 Lower cost relative to helium mixtures.
CRONIGON 2He38 (Ar 60% + He 38% + CO2 2%)
Eliminating the need for reworking or repairs with welds of the highest quality

CRONIGON 2He38 is a three-component mixture comprising 60% argon, 38% helium and 2% carbon
dioxide. The addition of helium into the mixture accelerates welding speeds significantly relative to
CRONIGON 2. This translates into vast productivity gains. High welding speeds also have the advantage
of lower distortion, thus avoiding the need for costly rectification procedures. CRONIGON 2He38
produces welds with good fusion properties, coupled with low reinforcement and porosity characteristics.
This extreme quality virtually eliminates the need for reworking or repairs.

This mixture is used for MAG welding across a wide variety of stainless steel alloys, proving particularly
effective on thicker material sections. CRONIGON 2He38 is most effective in spray (free flight) and pulse
transfer modes. The ideal operating range is between 6 and 15mm, although it can be used successfully
outside this range.

Benefits at a Glance

 More stable arc with less spatter and smoother surface finish
 Reduced clean-up time and wire consumption
 Improved fusion with greater penetration area
 Reduced number of defects and weld prep effort
 Up to 15% rise in productivity thanks to faster welding speeds
 Improved product quality and mechanical properties due to reduced porosity
 Easier for welder to set up.

CRONIGON 2He55 (Ar 43% + He 55% + CO2 2%)

Delivering excellent penetration and fusion properties on even the thickest materials and multi-pass welds

CRONIGON 2He55 is a three-component mixture comprising 43% argon, 55% helium and 2% carbon
dioxide. This mixture produces welds with very good low-temperature toughness values, strong corrosion
resistance, excellent penetration and fusion properties and low levels of porosity. It is ideal for applications
where weld quality is paramount and the cost of weld failure is high. High welding speeds make this a very
cost-effective option.

CRONIGON 2He55 was specifically developed for MAG welding a wide variety of stainless steel alloys
across a range of material thicknesses in all transfer modes (dip, spray and pulse). The ideal operating
range is between 3 and 10mm, although it can be used successfully outside this band.

Benefits at a Glance

 Improved fusion with greater penetration area

 Reduced number of defects and weld prep effort
 Up to 30% rise in productivity thanks to faster welding speeds
 Improved product quality and mechanical properties due to reduced porosity
 Stronger, tougher welds with reduced chance of weld failure
 Reduced production costs due to lower wire consumption
 Easier for welder to set up.
FORMIER 5 (N 95% + H 5%)
Eliminating the need for post-weld cleaning with the added bonus of low surface oxidation

FORMIER 5 is a two-component mixture comprising 95% nitrogen and 5% hydrogen. One of the most
popular purging gases in Europe, it is used on austenitic stainless steels – with the exception of titanium-
stabilised grades, which can be prone to discolouration. This mixture has the benefit of low surface
oxidation as hydrogen acts as a scavenging agent, stopping the formation of a thick chrome oxide layer.

Benefits at a Glance

 Low surface oxidation

 Elimination of post-weld cleaning
 Maintenance of corrosion resistance properties
 Elimination of need for chemical cleaning.

FORMIER 10 (N 90% + H 10%)

Eliminating the need for post-weld cleaning with low surface oxidation

FORMIER 10 is a two-component mixture comprising 90% nitrogen and 10% hydrogen. One of the most
popular purging gases in Europe, it is used on austenitic stainless steels – with the exception of titanium-
stabilised grades, which can be prone to discolouration. This mixture has the benefit of low surface
oxidation as hydrogen acts as a scavenging agent, stopping the formation of a thick chrome oxide layer.

Benefits at a Glance

 Low surface oxidation

 Elimination of post-weld cleaning
 Maintenance of corrosion resistance properties
 Elimination of need for chemical cleaning.