Its natural abundance in the Earth’s atmosphere also makes it an affordable gas option for welders.Ī welding engineer will enjoy the benefits of an effective shielding gas. In addition to not reacting with other elements, it doesn’t burst into flames when exposed to the extreme temperatures involved in welding. Why do Welders Use Argon Gas?Īrgon is used for welding due to its low cost, shielding gas capabilities, and stability. Helium is another commonly used shielding gas that works best when welding magnesium, copper, and aluminum metals. They became standard practice during World War II when the aircraft industry looked for a way to improve the construction of planes.Īrgon is an ideal shielding gas to use when working with aluminum and nonferrous metals. Shielding gases have been used in the field of welding since the 1920s. This can lead to oxidation, corrosion, or general weakening of the weld. Elements such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or water vapor can contaminate the weld. ![]() Shielding gases are inert gases used in the welding process to shield a weld from other elements found in the atmosphere. It took an entire Finnish team of theoretical chemists in 1962 to force argon to react with another element. However, it would take extreme measures to induce a reaction. If we’re splitting chemical hairs, it is possible for argon gas to react with other elements. In fact, the definition of the word inert is “chemically inactive.” This exclusive group is also known as “inert gases” because they do not easily react with other elements or compounds. Other members of the noble gas group include helium, neon, xenon, radon, and krypton. Does Argon React With Other Gases?Īrgon is a noble gas and does not react with other gases. When Argon is used for welding, a well-ventilated work area is recommended. This might be great for arc welding, but it’s not so great for oxygen-dependent welders. Simply put, using argon decreases oxygen content in the air. However, there are health hazards when using argon.Īrgon is classified as a simple asphyxiant. In addition to being nonflammable, argon is also non toxic. 3,871 ☌), it is a safe option for welders. With the welding process sometimes reaching 7000 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. Is Argon Flammable?Īrgon is non-flammable and does not support combustion. ![]() Its laziness makes argon gas uniquely capable of providing the ideal inert atmosphere needed for incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, semiconductor crystals, and welding. Derived from the Greek word Argos, meaning “lazy” or “inactive”, it does not combine with other elements. N oble gases are considered stable and have low reaction rates. ![]() Ĭhemically speaking, argon is a noble gas with the element symbol Ar and an atomic number of 18. What is Argon?Īrgon is an odorless, colorless, and tasteless gas that makes up 0.93% of the Earth’s atmosphere. As a key ingredient in welding, argon gas is a valuable tool that allows welders to fuse durable welds.
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