In GTAW, what is the purpose of shielding gas?

The role of shielding gas in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is to protect the weld pool from contamination. This is crucial because impurities from the atmosphere, such as oxygen and nitrogen, can cause defects in the weld, leading to decreased strength and quality. The shielding gas creates a protective atmosphere around the weld area, ensuring that no harmful elements come into contact with the molten weld pool. The choice of gas, commonly argon or helium, is also important, as it affects the properties of the weld and the overall process.

While cooling the metal may be a result of the process, it's not the primary function of the shielding gas. Providing a liquid medium is not applicable in the context of GTAW, as it operates with a solid electrode and does not utilize liquid mediums. Stabilizing the arc can be influenced by the type of shielding gas used, but it is not the main purpose; rather, it is a secondary effect of having a proper shielding environment. Consequently, the main focus remains on contamination prevention, ensuring high-quality welds in GTAW applications.