A review on fast-frequency pulse TIG welding technology

Abstract

With the development of pulse TIG welding technology, the fast-frequency pulse TIG (FFP-TIG) welding technology using 20 kHz ultra-high frequency (UHF) pulse modulation current with obvious high-frequency shrinkage effect and electromagnetic stirring effect has been gradually improved. FFP-TIG welding overcomes many shortcomings of traditional pulse TIG welding, such as shallow penetration, unconcentrated current energy, large heat-affected zone, and many welding defects. At present, FFP-TIG welding has become the preferred method of metal connection in high-end manufacturing process, with broad prospects for development and application. Firstly, this study clarifies the working principle and arc characteristics of FFP-TIG welding, and reveals the advantages of FFP-TIG welding compared with ordinary pulse TIG welding; Secondly, the research status of FFP-TIG welding power supply and welding process at home and abroad is reviewed; Finally, the process characteristics of FFP-TIG welding are summarized, and its developing trend in industrial field is prospected.

Keywords:

• FFP-TIG welding
• waveform modulation
• arc characteristics
• weld performance

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant numbers U2141216, 51875212], the State Key Lab of Advanced Welding and Joining, Harbin Institute of Technology [Grant numbers AWJ-21Z03, AWJ-23M03], the Shenzhen Science & Technology Program [Grant number JSGG20201201100400001], the International Cooperation Project of Guangzhou City [Grant number 201907010006], the Science and Technology Plan Project of Guangdong Province, China [Grant number 2021B1515420006], and the Program of Marine Economy Development Special Fund (Six Marine Industries) under the Department of Natural Resources of Guangdong Province [Grant number GDNRC[2021]46].