Push and Pull Tig Welding are two techniques used to weld thin sheet metals. The main difference between the two is that push welding uses a direct current electrode negative (DCEN) power supply while pull welding uses alternating current, electrode positive (AC). Push welding requires a greater amount of heat to be applied whereas pull requires less energy but more filler wire.
In order to determine which technique you should use, consider the thickness of your metal sheet and whether or not it has any contaminants on the surface. If the sheet is thicker than 1/8″, then you should use push because there will be enough heat for proper fusion without having to worry about burning through the material with too much filler wire.
Additionally, if there are contaminants such as oil or paint on the sheet, then you should also use push welding because it provides a faster cleaning action than pull. However, if the metal is thinner than 1/8″, and has no contaminants present, then either technique can be used. Lastly, if your metal is too thin to use with either technique, such as less than 24ga., then AC TIG is recommended.
What is a push-welder?
A push-welder is a kind of welding machine that utilizes alternating current. AC welders are primarily used in most industries because it is easier to control heat and penetration with them. However, most AC welders require the use of an inverter transformer to produce high-quality arcs.
What are the benefits of using a push-welder?
One of the benefits of using a push-welder is that there is less distortion in comparison to AC TIG and stick. For example, in AC TIG and stick welding processes, you will notice waves called “egg-shaped” or “horseshoe” shaped waves due to the movement of the electrode. However, when you use push welding, you will notice very little of these waves if they are present at all.
What is the best depth-to-width ratio for push welding?
The depth to width ratio when using push welding should be about 30:1. For example, if your metal sheet is 1/8″ in thickness, your electrode should be about 3/4″. https://protigwelders.com/push%E2%80%8C-%E2%80%8Cor%E2%80%8C-%E2%80%8Cpull%E2%80%8C-%E2%80%8Ctig%E2%80%8C-%E2%80%8Cwelder/
What is the purpose of using a backing strip in push welding?
A backing strip is used to stabilize the metal sheet when applying heat, helping it to prevent warping or bowing.
What are the different types of electrode wires that can be used in push welding?
There are three different types of electrode wires commonly used in push welding. These include:
- Cupro-Nickel: Cupro-Nickel is the most popular choice of electrode wire for push welding. It has a high amount of nickel and it’s also very resistant to corrosion.
- Nickel-Copper: Nickel Copper is a good choice if you’re going to be using a high amount of heat. It’s also easy to join and it has a wide application in both manual and automatic welding operations.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel can be used with both AC or DC current, but it will only produce the best results when the power supply is alternating. It has a lower tensile strength than the other electrode wires, but it’s more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.
What is a pull-welder?
A pull-welder is a kind of welding machine that utilizes alternating current. AC welders are primarily used in most industries because it is easier to control heat and penetration with them. However, most AC welders require the use of an inverter transformer to produce high-quality arcs.
What are the benefits of using a pull-welder?
One of the benefits of using a pull-welder is that it’s easier to control the speed and quality of the weld bead. Additionally, it also produces a more distinct arc with a smaller diameter. For example, in AC TIG and stick welding processes, you will notice waves called “egg-shaped” or “horseshoe” waves due to the movement of the electrode. However, when you use pull welding, you will notice very little if these waves are present at all.
What is the best depth-to-width ratio for pull welding?
The depth to width ratio when using push welding should be about 30:1. For example, if your metal sheet is 1/8″ in thickness, your electrode should be about 3/4″.
What type of electrode wire is best to use for pull welding?
There is only one kind of electrode wire that is commonly used for pull welding and it’s called stainless steel. Stainless steel can be used with both AC or DC current, but it will only produce the best results when the power supply is alternating. It has a lower tensile strength than the other electrode wires, but it’s more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.
What are some of the different types of electrodes that can be used with pull welding?
- Cupro-Nickel: Cupro-Nickel is the most popular choice of electrode wire for pull welding. It has a high amount of nickel and it’s also very resistant to corrosion.
- Nickel-Copper: Nickel Copper is a good choice if you’re going to be using a high amount of heat. It’s also easy to join and it has a wide application in both manual and automatic welding operations.
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel can be used with both AC or DC current, but it will only produce the best results when the power supply is alternating. It has a lower tensile strength than the other electrode wires, but it’s more durable and can withstand higher temperatures.
Which technique should you use for welding with stainless steel electrodes?
All of these techniques can help ensure that your weld beads are strong, high quality, and durable. However, you will notice the best results when you use pull welding by alternating the electricity in a DC-like fashion. For example, if your electrode conducts DC electrical current then one side will be positive while the other side will be negative. This allows for the highest amount of penetration while reducing burn-through and surface impurities.
Why would you want to use one over the other?
Push welding is the most common technique used in most large-scale industries. It can be used with both AC or DC current, but it will only produce the best results when the power supply is AC. This helps ensure that your electrode wire does not overheat, which would cause it to become weak and brittle. However, most push welders do not produce defined arc-like pull welders and they usually overheat your metal, causing it to become brittle and weak.
Pros and cons of both techniques:
Here are The Pros & Cons of Both tech
Push Welding Pros:
- Easy to control the speed and quality of the weld bead
- Produces a more distinct arc with a smaller diameter, i.e., “horseshoe” waves are less visible when using push welding
- Better heat control for lower amperage range
Push Welding Cons:
- Requires high amperage range to penetrate the metal sheet
- Produces a wide arc, which can cause burn through at a high amperage range
Pull Welding Pros:
- Can be used with both AC or DC current
- Creates distinct arcs with less visible “horseshoe” waves when used with an alternating current power supply
- The ability to use both AC and DC current makes it ideal for different applications
- Can be used with a wide range of amperage, including low amperage when using electrode wire made from stainless steel
Pull Welding Cons:
- Not as easy to control the speed and quality of the weld bead because it’s harder to visualize where the tip of your electrode is
- Requires higher amperage range to penetrate the metal sheet, which makes it more difficult to control with a lower amperage range
- More prone to producing burn through than push welding because it creates a larger arc
Conclusion:
With how versatile pull welding can be for different applications and its ability to be used with both AC or DC current, this technique is typically the best option. It creates a distinguished arc with less visible “horseshoe” waves than push welding and it can be used at both high and low amperage ranges. However, it’s not as easy to control the speed and quality of the weld bead because it’s harder to visualize where the tip of your electrode is.