The shape and depth of penetration of beads obtained with various shielding gases used for GMAW

Pure Carbon Dioxide 100 % (C02)

1. It’s less expensive to buy,

2. Carbon dioxide’s electrical conductivity is lower than Argon with
Unstable Electrical arc which Produces more spatter during the
welding process
3. Pure Carbon dioxide does not allow as high a welding speed, because
the weld bead will become too high and its fusion to the base material
will be worsened
4. CO2 Carries More heat to the weld
5. It’s a reactive Gas, Contains O2 which Produce oxide inclusions
6. For thick rust, mill Scale Material

Argon (AR):

1. More expensive than CO2 100%

2. stable Electrical arc which Produces less spatter during the welding
process
3. Argon electrical conductivity is lower than CO2
4. Argon Carries Less heat to the weld
5. Inert Gas, No Oxide inclusions
Mixture Gas CO2 20%, Ar 80%

1. CO2 produces welds with very good penetration and sidewall fusion,
2. welding thicker materials. This mixture performs very well in both
Short circuit and spray modes
3. The high CO2 content helps cope with surface contamination such as
oil, moisture or rust reducing pre-weld cleaning.
4. Co2, helps to stabilize the spatter reducing the need for rework
5. Welding speeds are high over a wide range of welding conditions
6. Welding sheet material
7. carbon dioxide to argon deepens penetration and stiffens the arc,
improving out of position welding

Notes

 The higher the carbon dioxide content in the shielding gas, the more
spatter is formed and the larger the number of large spatter welding
onto the surface.
 The lower the carbon dioxide or oxygen content in the shielding gas,
the purer (fewer oxide inclusions) the achieved welding material.
  The differences between
mechanical
characteristics in argon-
carbon dioxide mixtures in the
range of 8–25% are so
small that they usually do not
have a practical
significance

Oxygen (From 1% to 5 %)
 Adding a small amount of
oxygen in argon arc
welding increases
temperature also it
causes more melt fluidity and
stabilizes the arc, reduce
spatter
 Oxygen reduces the
surface tension and
produces good
penetration and fusion.in TIG process increased very little oxygen
(From 1% to 5 %) will help to strengthen the arc.

Cost Savings For using Mixed Gas----------------------

Shielding Gas VS Welding Process

Welds on Sheet Metal
 1.5 mm Thick material

0.8 to 1.2 mm CO2 does not work on low voltage settings.

AWS Designation of Gases