Argon gas lines, PVC tubing?? 1

[Capntom]

We have an automatic GTAW welder that is having a problem with arc starting and Tungsten contamination. Its a Intellitig 4 by Miller. I just noticed that the lines that carry the Argon to the machine are PVC Type 1, grey plumbing tubing. Could that be contributing to the problem??

 

[silouane]

No line line that carry Ar to the troch have no influence, except if there is some hole in the line. in this case you can find porosities in the weld.

I think you shall look at folowing points:
-Electrical connection
-Arc regulator
-type of electrode
-grinding way of the electrode
-Magnetisme (most of the time for big structures

Do you use an other polarity than DC-? I mean like controled alternaif for material like aluminium.

 

[weldtek]

I'd suggest you look at an article in the July 1999 issue of the AWS Welding Journal. On page 35 'How Weld Hose Materials Affect Shielding Gas Quality'. I'm not saying you shouldn't consider other factors, but, I am saying that conduits for shielding gases can be a source of contamination.

 

[EdStainless]

Metal lines, no threaded connections. No hoses, no plastic, no pipe, regulators with metal diaphrams. Those are my rules. I am paying for -80C DP and that is what I want at the torch.

= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Corrosion, every where, all the time.
Manage it or it will manage you.

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