For prototype development or for large types of fabrication needs, finding the right service provider to partner with is going to be an important first step in the process. When a business needs TIG welding as part of their fabrication, there are some critical factors to consider when hiring a company for the job.
There are literally hundreds of companies offering welding and fabrication services throughout and around the Cleveland area. Not all of those companies provide experienced welders and metal fabricators, and the vast majority are not ISO 9001:2008 certified businesses.
Before selecting a company to provide TIG welding services, get to know the specifics about the company and what sets them apart from the competition. This becomes more important for more demanding types of welding requirements or when working with particular alloys and metals.
The Basics
The term TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas, and it is an arc welding process. The equipment uses a tungsten electrode that is non-consumable to provide the current for the welding process.
With TIG welding, there are particular fillers used to build-up or to strengthen the weld. An inert gas, which is usually argon, is used to provide cooling and shielding to the tungsten electrode as well as the weld puddle, or the molten material used to actually create the weld. This weld puddle with the TIG process is a combination of the filler material and the base metal being welded.
In general, this welding process is used for the welding of stainless steel. It is also a highly effective option for welding various alloys including those containing significant levels of copper, magnesium and aluminum. With an experienced welder, it is also possible to weld different metals using this process.
Questions to Ask
Understanding a bit about the welding process can allow you to ask questions about the experience of the company under consideration. By asking specific questions about the projects they have completed, the years in business and the type of equipment used it is possible to get a good overall picture of the expertise and quality of the welding produced.
For projects in Cleveland that require welding to meet standards or tight tolerances, look for a company with ISO 9001:2008 certification. This is a quality control standard that demonstrates the company is committed to top quality customer support, service and products, ensuring your welding job will be handled by professionals at each step of the way.
