**The Importance of Welding Shielding Gas**
Welding shielding gas plays a critical role in the gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process. It directly influences several key aspects, such as arc stability, spatter formation, penetration depth, soot generation, and welding speed. These effects are primarily determined by the composition of the gas used, which is influenced by its physical and chemical properties.
In GMAW, two main parameters are wire feed speed (WFS) and voltage. The combination of these settings and the choice of shielding gas determines the type of arc formed—whether it's a globular, spray, or short-circuit transition. Each arc type reflects different material transfer characteristics. For example, using CO₂ as a shielding gas at a given WFS leads to large droplet transfer, excessive spatter, and poor weld quality. Much of the wire ends up as spatter rather than contributing to the weld.
Using Linde’s CORGON® series of shielding gases significantly improves the welding outcome. It results in better penetration, fewer defects, and reduced spatter. According to industry data, inferior shielding gases can cause 5% to 10% of filler metal to be wasted as spatter, with additional labor costs for cleaning that may account for up to 25% of the total welding cost. With Linde’s CORGON® gases, spatter is reduced to 2.5% to 5%, leading to a 10% to 30% reduction in overall production costs.
**A Practical Example: Shelf Welding**
A customer previously used CO₂ shielding gas for welding the top plate and rectangular end faces of shelves. After switching to Linde CORGON® 18, they saw a 32% reduction in wire consumption, a 37% increase in productivity, and a 24.3% drop in per-component costs. In contrast, CO₂ welding resulted in large droplet transfer, excessive spatter, and lower-quality welds. With Linde CORGON® 18, a stable jet arc was achieved, producing less spatter and a smoother weld surface. This not only improved aesthetics but also enhanced efficiency and reduced post-welding labor.
**Linde’s Main Products and Features**
Linde offers a wide range of shielding gases tailored for different materials and applications. For carbon steel and low-alloy steel, argon-based mixtures with small amounts of oxygen, COâ‚‚, or nitrogen are commonly used. The exact composition depends on factors like material thickness, product performance, and automation level.
For stainless steel, argon or argon-helium mixtures are typically used with MAG welding. A small amount of COâ‚‚ is added to stabilize the arc, but care must be taken to avoid decarburization. For low-carbon stainless steels, COâ‚‚ content should not exceed 3%, while other types can tolerate up to 5%.
For non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and titanium, pure argon, pure helium, or their mixtures are standard. Titanium, in particular, requires high-purity gases to prevent contamination.
**Advancements in Welding Technology**
With rising labor costs in China’s manufacturing sector, high-performance shielding gases are gaining popularity. Linde’s Swarovski 5S2 and 12S2 ternary gases improve welding speed, quality, and reduce spatter and slag, lowering cleaning costs. Helium-based gases, such as CORGON® 2He38 and VARIGON® He30, are particularly effective for stainless steel and aluminum alloys, offering faster welds and fewer defects.
**Environmental and Health Considerations**
Welding generates ozone, which can harm welders’ health. Linde’s Mison series contains nitrogen monoxide (NO) to minimize ozone production, protecting workers. Additionally, Linde is developing “blue soldering†gases that reduce ozone, fumes, and radiation, further enhancing safety and environmental responsibility.
Linde remains committed to innovation, ensuring that its products not only improve welding performance but also support sustainable and healthy working environments. Through advanced technology and precision manufacturing, Linde continues to contribute to the growth and success of China’s manufacturing industry.
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