| TIP TIG welding is 100 to 500% faster than TIG with superior quality than traditional TIG - Pulsed MIG - FCAW |
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PIPE WELD BENEFITS FROM THE TIP TIG PROCESS:When manual welding pipe in any weld position, in contrast to the regular TIG process, the semi automatic or the automatic TIP TIG process offers many weld process control benefits. [] TIP TIG enables a controlled, consistent TIG wire feed rate which drives consistent, manual weld speeds with reduced weld arc start / stops. [] TIP TIG takes the weld wire out of the welder's hands and consistently drives the weld wire into the optimum arc position. The result is uniform, consistent weld energy. [] TIP TIG enables smaller diameter TIG weld wire which when combined with the higher energy (higher current) TIP TIG welds plus the Hot Wire current enable increased weld energy that results in superior weld fusion and decreased porosity and inclusion with any alloy weld. [] The unique TIP TIG "agitated weld puddle" slows down the weld solidification and enables pore defects to exit the welds. The agitation dramatically increases the pipe side wall weld fusion and reduces the sensitivity to sluggish alloys and reduces weld stresses. [] In contrast to any weld processes you are using on your pipe welds, the high weld speed TIP TIG welds that use EN polarity will produce welds with the lowest weld heat and the smallest possible weld HAZ. TIP TIG welds with always produce superior mechanicals and corrosion properties and the welds will always be the cleanest from the lowest oxidation produced. Visit the manual and home section for more TIP TIG info. |
PIPE WELD COSTS. REGULAR TIG VERSUS TIP TIG:
| TRADITIONAL TIG PIPE WELDING. | TIP TIG PIPE WELDING. BETTER QUALITY + 50 - 300-% MORE WELD EACH HR. |
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TIP TIG PIPE WELD WITH A ROTARY POSITIONER. . With or without that positioner, the semi-automatic TIP TIG process provides the best root - fill pass weld quality
With any pipe weld position, the fill pass welds will typically deposit 100 - 300% more weld than that attained by any manual or automated, all position
TIG welds, and you should eliminate weld rework.
5G PIPE FILL WELD PASSES MADE SIMPLE WITH TIP TIG.
TIP TIG pipe fill pass welds are typically made 100 - 300 % faster than regular TIG. No foot control is required, one or two hands can be used to control the torch. The lowest weld smoke is generated. No weld spatter, no weld slag and no grinding required. Look how easy it is to make a pipe weld that is producing superior weld quality than regular TIG. In contrast to regular manual TIG, with TIP TIG there is minimum weld starts and stops. The less oxidized TIP TIG welds are the cleanest welds you will ever see. The TIP TIG weld HAZ produced should be the smallest. The agitated TIP TIG welds should always provide superior side wall fusion with less pore / inclusion defects and the weld stresses generated should always be the lowest. |
Add the TIP TIG process to our unique automated orbital, robot and ossicilator equipment and you
will have low cost solutions to providing the best possible automated pipe and clad weld quality.
For info on this product line, call Nick or Ed at 856 312 8164.



TIP TIG automated welds will provide superior weld quality and productivity than any Hot Wire TIG process.
| When your manual or auto weld process is made easier to use and that process provides the highest weld quality with the lowest possible weld heat, you will see some remarkable untouched weld quality results. |

Note TIP TIG manual weld uniformity and continuity,
the minimum HAZ, minimum weld starts / stops. X- Ray = no defects.
| Optimum weld quality cannot be determined by weld inspection criteria that requests 10% NDT or by visual inspection. When "optimum pipe weld quality" is discussed at this site, it means the ability of the welding process to meet the ASME Sect 1X requirements that are necessary to consistently attain 100% X-Ray welds. |
THERE ARE TWO WELD PROCESSES THAT DON'T BELONG IN A PIPE WELD SHOP
THAT HAS A MANDATE TO DELIVER OPTIMUM, CONSISTENT QUALITY PIPE WELDS,
THE SMAW (STICK) AND THE SELF SHIELDED FLUX CORED PROCESS.
SMAW and Self Shielded Flux Cored Pipe Welds: It's remarkable in 2011, that given the available weld process choices, thousands of global weld shops will consider the SMAW or the Self Shielded Flux Cored Process for code quality pipe - vessel and fabrication welds.
With pipe welds that require 100% x-ray or UT evaluation, the SMAW and Self Shielded Flux Cored processes should be the last processes considered.
SMAW is a weld process that has many " flux - slag concerns" all of which
lead to weld issues.
SMAW is a process in which you will find the electrodes are dramatically
different from one consumable manufacturer to another.
SMAW is a process in which you should always expect weld defects
especially
at arc starts - stops and at weld tie ins.
SMAW is a process in which you should always expect to find lack of fusion, slag and pores.
SMAW is a process in which every welder brings different weld skills and techniques to the weld. It , should be no surprise to engineers when SMAW procedure welds do not comply with the weld results attained from the pre-qualified weld procedure.
Common SMAW weld defects which are frequently beyond the control of the welder are lack of weld fusion - excess porosity - entrapped slag - excess spatter - poor weld tie-ins - undercut - hydrogen cracks. To add to the common SMAW weld issues, the SMAW welder has frequently got to deal with hazardous weld fumes. The bottom line is SMAW is a weld process in which it's impossible to achieve consistent, optimum weld quality a weld process in which it's impossible to apply effective weld process controls. There will always be a place for the SMAW process, however any weld shop that takes pride in the welds it produces should not be considering the SMAW process.
Note if you want to know the numerous reasons why Self Shielded Flux Cored Wires do not belong on any weld project which desires consistent optimum weld quality, I recommend you visit the flux cored section at my web site www.weldreality.com.
Pulsed MIG Pipe Welds: The Pulsed MIG process has in the last three decades had many exaggerated electronic weld process benefit claims that may help the weld salesman promote this equipment, however this process should not be the process of choice for pipe weld shops that want to achieve consistent, optimum, manual quality with all position alloy welds.
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Thanks to the Reverse Electrode Positive (REP) mode, the Pulsed MIG weld results in high concentrated localized weld heat at the MIG wire tip. The localized heat in the arc zone typically results in a large HAZ which can have a negative impact on many alloy applications.
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The Pulsed MIG process is a Wire Stick Out (WSO) sensitive process, and the small WSO changes that typically occur with most manual MIG welds can readily change the Pulsed MIG (current - voltage) weld energy delivered to the weld by 10 - 25 %. With pulsed MIG pipe welds, the manual WSO changes can cause lack of weld fusion, increase the weld porosity or when welding duplex pipe provide changing, unacceptable ferrite levels.
[] The
Pulsed MIG arc energy constantly fluctuates between the typical peak 370 - 450 amps to the low 60 - 120 amps back ground current. The pulsed MIG parameter changes influence the weld energy delivered. The pulsed MIG process enables moderate to high weld deposition rates, however there are few weld benefits attained when that weld transfer mode spends 50% of its time with the low back ground current.
The fluctuating pulsed MIG parameter changes with the healthy deposition rates makes Pulsed MIG a sensitive process when trying to attain consistent pipe weld fusion and that sensitivity is increased when welding wall thickness > 6 mm or welding sluggish alloys such as duplex or stainless.
Note for pulsed MIG fans. When you evaluate the Pulsed MIG moderate weld deposition rates attained with pipe welds, it's worth remembering that the greater the weld mass (the greater the deposition rate) delivered for a specific weld, the greater the weld fusion sensitivity of that weld to the numerous variables that will impact the pulsed MIG weld delivery and weld energy.
Pulsed MIG weld issues for your pipe welds, especially when welding pipe wall > 6mm.
Combine the large mass of pulsed MIG weld delivered with
(a) the pulsed MIG weld sensitivity to WSO parameter changes,
(b) the Peak to Back Ground current changes,
(c) the erratic performance of many pulsed MIG power sources,
(d) the poor weld techniques and settings frequently used,
and if that pipe is subject to 100% X-Rays you will find lack of weld fusion, unacceptable weld porosity and inclusions.
Note: In my 600 page book, "A Management Engineers Guide to MIG, weld Quality - Costs - Training" published in 1996,
I wrote close to a 100 pages on the pulsed MIG process and described the primary pulsed MIG weld issues such as arc instability, lack of weld fusion, excess porosity on all position welds on parts > 4 mm. i wrote about the difficulty encountered with maintaining essential MIG weld procedure variables with pulsed MIG equipment that evolves every few months or every time another bell or whistle can be added. Fithteen years later, the same pulsed MIG problems exist. For extensive proof of pulsed MIG process and equipment issues, visit my pulsed MIG section at www.weldreality.com..
Gas Shielded Flux Cored Pipe Welds:
While superior to the SMAW process, the gas shielded flux cored process will provide extensive weld quality issues with any all position pipe welds.
When you pick up that reel of 0.045 (1.2mm), 71T-1, flux core wire, be aware that in the average 20 lbs per/shift used per welder, there should be concern that
(a) the flux has not absorbed moisture,
(b) the flux alloy content composition and flux content
are optimum and consistent throughout the wire,
(c) the extensive differences between the flux cored
wires from the
different FCAW wire manufacturers,
(d) the influence of incorrect pipe weld technique with
the fast freeze, thin slag process.
(e) the dramatic influence of wire stick out changes on the low to moderate parameters used,
(f) the propensity for slag entrapment irrespective of the way the weld is made.
With all position flux cored welds, you can have the best welder in the State, and if the welds are required to have 100% X-Ray evaluation, most weld shops will have to deal with weld repairs from lack of fusion, slag inclusions and excess porosity. The welders also won't thank you for the spatter and excess weld fumes.
MIG Short Circuit - MIG STT and MIG RMD Pipe Welds. While these MIG processes are suited to "open root pipe welds", the weld manager should be aware that using these weld processes adds to the complexity of the application and pipe procedures as the welder has to switch to another weld process for the fill passes.
With these process, there is also concern with attaining consistent pipe root penetration and optimum weld quality with the common root gap and alignment deviations found in the typical pipe shop. There should always be a special concern when welding high alloy 5G root applications where the weld shrinkage and sluggishness with the alloys adds further weld issues.
It's one thing to weld pipe open roots with controlled, machined joints and it's another thing to weld a pipe to an elbow that has ID alignment issues or a root gap which is much smaller or larger than 3 mm. While short circuit is well suited to rotated pipe root joints with controlled gaps and no alignment issues. The STT and RMD processes can weld roots in any pipe weld position, however these two weld processes have narrow, optimum, weld parameter ranges that are poorly suited to deal with weld root variations and sluggish alloy welds.
IF WELDING CARBON STEEL PIPE ROOTS AND THE PIPE IS ROTATED, THE MIG SHORT CIRCUIT MODE FROM ANY
LOW COST CV POWER SOURCE, IS JUST AS EFFECTIVE AS THE HIGHER COST STT - CMT - RMD MIG EQUIPMENT.
Note: The fast freeze MIG root welds require "reactive gases" which contribute to the common oxide pore defects found in MIG root welds. For extensive real world pipe data on the three MIG processes discussed, visit Ed's www.weldreality.com and select the process in question, or examine the world's most effective MIG - Flux Cored Weld Best Practices and Process Control Training Resources also at weldreality.com.
In contrast to the above weld processes, when considering TIP TIG, remember this process can make excellent all position root welds and if required this process can also be used as a regular TIG process suited to any root weld variations. For pipe root and fill pass welds or any applications, it's worth noting that TIP TIG provides the most extensive amp range available from 50 to 500 amps. With TIP TIG pipe root welds, TIP TIG will provide the highest energy, with consistent wire to arc placement. With TIP TIG there is no unnecessary arc starts / stops (tie -in concerns) and no sensitivity to WSO changes as typical with MIG and flux cored.
In contrast to regular TIG, with the TIP TIG process expect 200 - 500% more pipe
weld production each hour with much superior weld quality.
[] This TIG pipe wire feed, (weld deposition) rate average was 280 inch/min.The above TIP TIG pipe weld was made by a Westinghouse welder.
[] You will typically attain 50 - 100% productivity improvements in the root and
200 to 500 % improvements in pipe fill pass deposition rates.
[] Higher TIP TIG wire feed capability enables increased TIG weld current capability. Also in contrast to the regular TIG process, the agitated weld pool and increased TIP TIG weld energy enables superior side wall weld fusion and lower porosity / inclusion content.
[] The TIP TIG Weld Agitation and Hot Wire current is especially beneficial for improving the weld fluidity with all sluggish alloys such as duplex and stainless.
[] TIP TIG provides much faster manual and automated TIG weld travel rates that enable the capability to always produce any welds with the lowest possible weld heat and the smallest possible HAZ. With the lowest oxidation potential and the weld agitation, with TIP TIG, you can expect the cleanest possible multi-pass welds with the lowest weld porosity and inclusion content.
[] With TIP TIG, the weld shop should anticipate producing manual or automated welds and parts with outstanding consistent quality beyond that attained with regular TIG, Pulsed MIG and flux cored.
[] Consistently attaining optimum mechanical or corrosion properties or for example ferrite content in duplex welds, becomes a simple task with the TIP TIG.
Note: Companies such as Exxon, Westinghouse and WSI (Aquilex) lead the way in the USA developing new 5G, TIP TIG pipe procedures with typical, manual wire feed rates 200 - 400 % greater than that attained by regular manual TIG welders.
THERE IS NO WELD PROCESS CAPABLE OF CONSISTENTLY PRODUCING THE OPTIMUM
PIPE WELD IMPACT PROPERTIES THAT CAN BE ATTAINED WITH THE TIP TIG PROCESS:
WELDING P91. ASME SA 182-F91. ASTM A199 Grade T91.
WHY TIP TIG ALWAYS ATTAINS THE BEST POSSIBLE IMPACT PROPERTIES.
LEFT PICTURE. TIP TIG UNTOUCHED
P91 WELDS MADE BY SIEMEN WELDER.
With applications such as P91, Duplex or any Alloy pipe - fabrication welds in which there is a need to attain specific weld Impact Properties or consistent, optimum Ferrite Levels, weld shops understand that it's often difficult for manual welders to conform to the original Stick -TIG - MIG and Flux Cored Weld Procedure Qualification that attained the desired weld quality and weld - part properties.
With each of the four processes mentioned, you can have the best manual pipe welders, yet as a result of the inconsistency and lack of uniformity with the welder's techniques, the general lack of best weld practices and process controls, the Achilles Heels of each weld process, (as spelled out at this site ), the weld shop will too frequently attain unacceptable weld quality and unacceptable weld - part mechanical properties.
In contrast to manual regular TIG - Pulsed MIG and Flux Cored processes, the manual, semi-automatic TIP TIG process always provides the highest possible weld quality with the lowest possible weld heat. TIP TIG provides an opportunity for the weld shop to implement "uniform weld best practices / process controls and improve the consistent conformance to the weld procedure qualifications.
P91 impact values attained from the manual TIP TIG welds. ISO-V(J) at 20° 100-120 J.
TIP TIG and P91 Pipe Welds: If traditional TIG was used for the root and SMAW for the P91 fill passes, it would take approx. 240 minutes to do each of the critical "P91 pipe joints shown. Using one process TIP TIG, it would take approx. 65 minutes to produce defect free welds with much lower weld heat.
Note: If instead of SMAW you used the traditional TIG process for the fill passes, the slow weld speeds would be applying "excess weld heat" to the heat sensitive P91 pipes.
The TIP TIG process was qualified by SIEMENS in Germany for both the P91 root and for the pipe fill passes. With an application like this, depending on the welder, in contrast to regular TIG, each hour the TIP TIG fill pass welds would deposit an average of 200 to 300 % more weld. Using the TIP TIG process Siemens attained the best weld quality (zero defects) and the best mechanical properties it had ever attained on any P91 pipe applications.
Apart from the superior weld quality from the TIP TIG process, weld shops benefit with a process that [a] gets the job done faster,
[b] provides the highest possible weld quality,
[c] provides great operator appeal,
[d] provides no spatter,
[e] requires no weld grinding or cleaning,
[f] provides the least weld fumes and weld dust particles
[g] provides the lowest possible weld joules, the smallest HAZ. the least distortion and the best possible mechanical - corrosion properties.
P91 Steels and other Creep Strength-Enhanced Ferritic Steels:
None of the following weld processes, regular TIG - Pulsed MIG - SMAW or Flux Cored can provide the multi-pass weld quality that TIP TIG will deliver from the root to the cap passes.
The TIP TIG pipe welds will require less skills and always produce the best mechanical properties due to the lowest possible weld heat input. Siemens reports that when welding P91 pipe with the TIP TIG process, it attained the best weld results and the best mechanical properties it's ever achieved.
WHEN PIPE WELDING, IT'S BENEFICIAL TO UNDERSTAND WHAT TIP TIG CAN ACHIEVE IN CONTRAST TO THE REGULAR MANUAL TIG PROCESS:
Manual TIG pipe welds are made by welders who use their unique variable skills and techniques while delivering inconsistent wire feed rates into different areas of the small, rapid solidifying weld pool.
Primary issues with the traditional manual TIG process;
[] The inability for the manual TIG welder to ensure their weld wire is always fed consistently into the rapid freeze weld, small plasma sweet spot in the arc and weld, impacts weld quality, weld uniformity and consistency.
TIP TIG always directs the weld wire to the arc sweet spot providing uniform, consistent weld energy.
[] The inconsistent manual TIG "wire feed" rates utilized, impacts weld quality, heat (joules) and productivity.
TIP TIG provides constant fed weld wire that dictates the weld travel rates and regulates the weld joules.
[] The common TIG low deposition rates influence weld labor costs, the weld energy produced and the weld dynamics. The low deposition also impacts the weld current that can be used, the weld travel rates, weld distortion, weld joules input and weld oxidation.
TIP TIG provides deposition rates that are typically 100 - 400% greater than regular TIG welds and
the benefits from the increased TIP TIG weld speeds are extensive.
[] The numerous TIG arc starts and stop (weld tie-ins) influenced by the manual weld wire changes,
impacts weld quality, weld appearance and add to weld skill requirements.
TIP TIG eliminates this concern.
[] The high TIG skill requirements for feeding the wire, manipulating the torch and sometimes operating a foot control, impacts training time required and the adherence to pre-qualified weld procedures.
TIP TIG can use one or two hands on the torch and does not need a foot control so this process is
much easier to use.
TIP TIG INCONEL 800 PIPE . WELDED WITH INCONEL 82 WIRE.
Pipe 10" ID PIPE WITH 3/4 (18 mm) Wall.
TIP TIG Weld Cycle Time 30 - 40 minutes.
Customer used to takes 4 hrs with TIG.
No brushing. No grinding. No spatter. No foot control. Much less skills than TIG.
No weld rework. Constant weld fusion and improved conformance to weld procedures. Cleanest welds from lowest possible oxidation and from lowest weld heat input ensures lowest possible pores and inclusions. Note weld smoke is from vee prep machining lubricants.
All Position Nickel Alloy Welds:
None of the following weld processes, regular TIG - Pulsed MIG - SMAW or Flux Cored will provide the weld quality that TIP TIG will deliver to all Nickel Alloy applications. TIP TIG will produce the lowest possible weld heat and lowest weld oxidation potential. TIP TIG has little concern for sluggish alloys producing welds with superior weld fusion and the best weld and part mechanical / corrosion properties.
TIP TIG PIPE ROOT WELDS.
TIP TIG is a weld process that has the greatest tolerance for pipe root dimensions and alignment deviations and of course TIP TIG will always produce thre best fill pass weld quality. |
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TIP TIG pipe root welds are typically made 50% faster than regular TIG, however TIP TIG roots also provide superior weld quality. Weld start / stops are reduced for most 5G root welds and the weld is much more uniform and consistent. Note the uniform, clean unoxidized root appearance. The welder at the weld end raised the torch too quickly loosing the post flow gas coverage. In contrast to the MIG STT - RMD processes the TIP TIG are superior quality (not influenced by reactive gas mixes) and the welds have much greater tolerance for root gap and alignment dimension deviations. The TIP TIG pipe "fill passes" are typically made 100 - 400 % faster than regular TIG. Click here to see the other half of the root. |
WHEN IT COMES TO CHOOSING THE PROCESS THAT WILL DELIVER THE BEST WELD QUALITY AND THE BEST MECHANICAL - CORROSION PROPERTIES, YOU WILL FIND THAT NO OTHER WELD PROCESS CAN PROVIDE THE CONSISTENT, OPTIMUM WELD QUALITY THAT TIP TIG CAN DELIVER TO ANY ALL POSITION WELD MADE ON ANY ALLOY. |
TIP TIG AND CONTROLLING FERRITE WITH DUPLEX WELDS:

CONTROLLING FERRITE WITH DUPLEX PIPE WELDS IS MADE SIMPLE WITH THE TIP TIG PROCESS.
The volume percentage of ferrite present in duplex stainless steel clad metals will influence both the mechanical and corrosion properties.
Both strength and stress corrosion
cracking resistance may be reduced when the FN is less than 30.
There will be is a loss of ductility and toughness of the clad metal when the FN is above 70 in duplex.
Note, As indicated in the left report,the first time (no play around) ideal ferrite volume percentage consistently attained with the TIP TIG process as indicated in the report shown on the left.
Consistent control of the Ferrite is essential to achieve optimum corrosion resistance and
mechanical properties, yet the sad reality of pulsed MIG and flux cored is a change in the gun angles or a change in the wire stick out can dramatically impact the weld heat and ferrite volume.
WHEN TRYING TO ATTAIN CONSISTENT OPTIMUM FERRITE LEVELS WITH DUPLEX WELDS OR CLADD WELDS, IT CAN BE A FRUSTRATING CHALLENGE WHEN USING THE PULSED MIG AND GAS SHIELDED FLUX CORED PROCESS. IN CONTRAST, ATTAINING OPTIMUM, CONSISTENT MECHANICAL - CORROSION PROPERTIES IS SIMPLE WITH THE TIP TIG PROCESS. WITH TIP TIG THERE IS NO WELD FUME CONCERNS, NO WELD SPATTER, NO WELD CLEANING AND TIP TIG ELIMINATES THE NEED FOR USING MORE THAN ONE PROCESS FOR PIPE WELDS.
Control of Ferrite - Austenite levels is a critical requirement when welding Duplex alloys.
Duplex Welds.
The Ferrite Number decreases with a rise in the "weld part heat" and with increased weld dilution. Both pulsed MIG and flux cored will typically provide higher weld part heat input than a TIP TIG weld and the manual MIG - FCAW weld heat will be always be more inconsistent .
Note:
In contrast to pulsed MIG and flux cored, with the TIP TIG process, the weld HAZ should be always smaller and the lower weld / clad weld heat input will be easier to control.
Duplex Welds. Pulsed MIG - FCAW Wire Stick out changes:
The Ferrite Number in those duplex pipe welds decreases with a "rise in welding current" and an increase in weld speed.
With pulsed MIG and flux cored, a slight decrease in the wire stick out can increase the weld current in the range of 10 - 20% decreasing the Ferrite level.
A slight change in gun angle can extend the wire stick out which can increase the Ferrite level.
Note: With TIP TIG welds, torch angle changes will not influence Ferrite levels and there is no wire stick out change.
TIP TIG ON ALL ALLOY WELDS SHOULD PRODUCE SUPERIOR MECHANICALS & CORROSION PROPERTIES.
Think about the many alloy pipe weld benefits when considering TIP TIG. With most alloys welded with traditional TIG, the weld shop primary concern is usually from the slow weld speeds and resulting high weld heat delivered to the parts. TIP TIG enables much faster weld speeds which create the opportunity to reduce the weld joules to levels never before attained with any other weld process.
PIPE WELD PROCESS CONSIDERATIONS & WELD JOULES: When welding pipes in the 5G position and "optimum weld fill pass parameters" are utilized, it's interesting to note the radical weld joules (weld heat) differences between Regular TIG, Pulsed MIG and Flux Cored with the TIP TIG process; Weld Joules and Regular TIG pipe fill pass weld parameters: Typical pipe fill pass weld parameters 13 volts. 150 Amps. Weld travel rate 2 - 3 inch/min. With 13 Volts x 150 Amps x 60 divide by 3 inch/min you typically produce regular TIG pipe fill pass welds that generate approx. > 39000 Kj. Weld Joules and Gas Shielded Flux Cored - Pulsed MIG pipe fill pass weld parameters: Typical weld parameters with 045 (1.2mm) wires. 23 - 27 volts. 140 - 220 Amps. Weld travel rate 10 - 15 inch/min. With 25 Volts x 200 Amps x 60 divide by 12 inch/min you typically produce pipe fill pass welds that generate approx. > 25000 Kj. Weld Joules and TIP TIG pipe fill pass weld parameters: Typical TIP TIG weld parameters. 12 - 14 volts. 180 - 250 Amps. Weld travel rate 8 - 10 inch/min. 13 Volts x 220 Amps x 60 divide by 9 inch/min = 19000 Kj. Combine the TIP TIG lower joules with the EN weld heat dissipation benefit and the result is TIP TIG will always delivers the lowest weld heat, the smallest weld HAZ, the least weld stresses and distortion. TIP TIG not only provides welds with superior mechanicals and corrosion properties this process should enable lower pre-heat when pre-heat is required. WHILE WELD CODES DO NOT CONSIDER THE INFLUENCE OF ELECTRODE NEGATIVE VERSUS ELECTRODE POSITIVE ON THE WELD JOULES AND IT'S IMPACT ON THE WELD HAZ, THE EN POLARITY DOES IMPROVE THE WELD HEAT DISPURSEMENT WHICH LESSENS THE INFLUENCE OF THE WELD HEAT ON THE WELD HAZ. WITH THE TIP TIG PROCESS YOU DRAMATICALLY INCREASE THE TIG WELD SPEEDS. THE LOW TIG WELD VOLTAGE IS TYPICALLY 80 TO 100% LESS THAN THE WELD VOLTAGE USED WITH PULSED MIG OR FLUX CORED. WITH THE INCREASED TIG WELD SPEEDS, EN POLARITY AND LOW WELD VOLTAGE IT'S EASY TO SEE WHY THIS PROCESS WILL ALWAYS GENERATE THE LOWEST POSSIBLE WELD JOULES. |
Welding a Duplex Heat Exchange Vessel.

| When pulsed MIG and regular TIG failed at attaining full penetration open root welds on this duplex heat exchanger, the company selected TIP TIG. The TIP TIG process produced the highest, consistent weld quality with the lowest weld heat and the best possible
duplex properties. |
TIP TIG 5G PIPE FILL MADE SIMPLE.
| A TIP TIG weld like this, depending on the wall thickness or pipe diameter is typically made at 100 - 400 % faster than regular TIG. Look how easy it is to make a pipe weld that always produces superior weld quality than regular TIG. With TIP TIG - lowest weld fumes - no spatter - minimum weld starts - stops - cleaner less oxidized welds - smallest possible weld HAZ along with agitated welds that enable superior fusion, less pore weld defects and lower weld stresses than regular TIG. |
With TIP TIG you can consistently control the weld wire delivered to the sweet spot in the TIP TIG arc. |
TIP TIG is a process in which you can "apply the most manual weld process controls" to any weld application. |
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TIP TIG PIPE ROOT First time user. |
TIP TIG PIPE FILL First time user. |
Examine the regular TIG weld on the left versus
the manual TIP TIG P91 weld on the right.


The TIP TIG weld on right shows more energy than the TIG weld on the left yet the TIP TIG
weld reveals a much smaller HAZ. The TIP TIG weld was done three times faster.
Examine
the TIP TIG weld continuity, the weld cleanliness and quality.
WITH ANY WELD PROCESS, WHEN CONCERNED WITH MAINTAINING CONSISTENT
WELD QUALITY, TWO HANDS CAN BE BETTER THAN ONE:
With TIP TIG. The TIP TIG welder requires no foot control. The TIP TIG welder can use one hand to steady himself on the pipe, or use two hands to provide further stability to the weld torch. Don't forget the TIP TIG pipe welds also reap other benefits from the controlled wire feed input, the constant wire feed to optimum arc position, no weld starts / stops, higher wire feed rates and lower weld heat input, higher weld current and that unique agitated weld puddle, all combine to produce superior pipe weld quality and productivity.
REGULAR TIG VERSUS TIP TIG WELD DEPOSITION DIFFERENCES.
This table represents the most common all position steels and alloy steel applications.
[1] Pipe Root Regular Manual TIG
wire feed rate.
10 inch/min
(70 inch/min)
Manual TIP TIG
wire feed rate increase.
25 - 50%[2] Pipe Fill
Wall < 3/8 (a) 10 inch/min
(70 inch/min)
100 - 200%[3] Pipe Fill
Wall > 3/8 10 inch/min
(70 inch/min) 100 - 300%[4] 1/8 Fillet 10 inch/min
(70 inch/min) 100 - 200%[5] 3/16 Fillet
Great setting also for all position cladding 10 inch/min
(70 inch/min) > 150%[6] 1/4 Fillet 10 inch/min
(70 inch/min) 200 to 400%
Note: Red is conversion from 3/32 2.4 mm wire to 0.035 0.9 mm wire.
5G pipe weld figures are real world. You will have some TIG welders that will
deposit slightly more weld wire and there will be TIP TIG welders that
can provide higher wire feed rates. TIP TIG rates will increase with automation.
Welding Chrome Moly Pipes - Valves and Fittings on high strength - low temp parts and high temperature - good corrosion property parts that require concern for temper embitterment, charpy V-notch values or attaining a low X - Factor.
Note (the X-Factor is a formula that measures the welds resistance to the loss of toughness that will occur when the weld is held or slowly cooled through the temp range of 850 - 1100F). All position gas shielded flux cored consumables are often used for these Chrome Moly applications.
[] As TIP TIG provides much lower weld heat input than the regular TIG - Flux Cored and Pulsed MIG processes, TIP TIG can provide the smallest possible HAZ and the lowest possible X Factor.
[] Unlike Flux Cored consumable which may have flux issues such as inconsistent flux composition, or moisture in the flux. With TIP TIG there will never be cause for concern with consumables and hydrogen content.
[] Ref charpy values. In contrast to the flux cored process which always creates concerns for trapped weld slag and excess weld porosity the TIP TIG process enables the cleanest possible welds with less internal defects than any other available manual weld process.
[] While flux cored is not suited for pipe open root welds and this process should provide concerns for the pipe fill pass as extensive parameter changes will occur with a slight change in the wire stick out. In contrast, TIP TIG can provide more weld controls than any other process for any weld position pipe root or fill pass. The bottom line, if the weld consumable is available on a MIG reel it can be used for TIP TIG, so before going down the flux cored path consider the TIP TIG benefits.
[] For those looking at Pulsed MIG on these pipe applications, please note you will not attain the weld quality achieved with TIP TIG and of course this process will weld the root to the cap.
AS THE EDGE WETTING ON THIS TIP TIG, 40 - 45 DEGREE "INCLUDED VEE ANGLE"
WELD INDICATES, TIP TIG CAN ENABLE A
DRAMATIC REDUCTION IN REGULAR PIPE / PLATE VEE - J GROOVE ANGLES.
TIP TIG. From the pipe root to the fill passes, when you attain the highest
weld quality with good deposition rates you achieve the lowest weld cost.
TIG WELD COSTS AND WELD DEPOSITION RATES, A SUBJECT
RARELY DISCUSSED IN MANY WELD SHOPS:
I recently did a survey of TIG pipe weld personnel at some of the top engineering companies in North America. The companies included Westinghouse, General Electric, Siemans, Parsons and WSI, (Aquilex).
Weld Question. "Using a regular TIG 3/32 (2.4 mm) carbon steel or stainless wire,
what is the average wire feed length used per minute?
The Answer. The average regular TIG manual wire feed rate using 3/32 (2.4mm )wire was 6 - 10 inch/min. When you convert the average 8 inch/min with 3/32 wire to the 0.035 (0.9mm) wire that's commonly used with TIP TIG, that's approx. 56 inch/min of an 0.035 wire = approx 0.75 lb/hr. With an arc on time of 20 minutes per/hr that results in a regular TIG weld deposition rate range of 0.28 lb/hr, with 2 - 6 inch/ min typical weld travel rates.
Regular TIG, an old process that will produce inferior weld quality,
require higher skills and higher costs when welding a pipe joint:
Highly Skilled Regular TIG welder. Note the welder sets 150 amps. In the 2 min 40 sec arc on time of the first pass he uses approx 22 inches of his 3/32 wire. The 22 inches of 3/32 equals an approx. 3/32 wire feed rate of 8 inch/min x 7 = 56 inch/min of 0.035 wire.
In contrast, TIP TIG on this pipe would have used a minimum of 160 - 200 inch/min of 0.035 weld wire and use around 250 amps with 80 additional Hot Wire Amps.
Each hour TIP TIG would deliver > 200% more fill pass weld for the all position welds. The TIP TIG welds would provide superior weld fusion and less porosity.
The TIP TIG welder would require less skills - dexterity and have less welder fatigue. With the all position welds, the TIP TIG welds would be more continuous and more uniform. The TIP TIG welds would enable the lowest possible weld heat producing the lowest weld fumes and best possible metallurgical properties.
TIP TIG FILL PASSES.
TIP TIG fill pass before the cap. This TIP TIG weld is better quality than most automated welds that use costly weld automation equipment. The manual TIP TIG welds will provide higher weld deposition. |
COMPARE TIP TIG PIPE WELD DEPOSITION
RATES WITH REGULAR TIG PIPE WELDS.
TIP TIG versus |
TIP TIG. |
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PIPE ROOT QUALITY: TIP TIG Manual Welds. With less arc starts / stops and an agitated weld pool, TIP TIG provides superior root and fill pass welds that are more consistent and uniform. |
TIG PROCESS BENEFITS: |
All position gas shielded flux cored versus TIP TIG weld data and weld costs. With vertical up, 0.045 (1.2mm) E71T-1 wire feed rates usually set between 200 - 350 inch/min (5- 9 m/min) (Ed's wire feed clock method 10 - 12 o'clock), flux cored deposits approx. 5 to 8.5 lb/hr. TIP TIG. PUT THAT GRINDER AWAY: As TIP TIG should not require any weld cleaning between weld passes, TIP TIG allows an hourly increased arc on time. With a 30 min/hr arc on time, TIP TIG on many common weld applications can deliver 1 to 2 lb/hr typically with no weld defects, no spatter, the lowest weld heat, the lowest smoke and a uniform all position manual weld quality beyond any other weld process. |

During 2011, the largest sub sea oil company in China, the
China National Offshore Oil Corporation, (CNOOC) was looking for a weld solution for its 20 mile sub sea pipe project. The sub sea pipe ID was clad at the ends with Inconel. The manual and automated inconel welds were made on a ship. |
DON'T TRY THIS WITH THE REGULAR TIG OR PULSED MIG PROCESS.
2 LAYERS OF "UNTOUCHED" INCONEL, CLAD WELD IN THE PIPE ID: Note with this TIP TIG clad automation that no Arc Voltage Control was required. With the regular TIG and Pulsed MIG process you are unable to attain a clad weld or pipe weld with the quality and consistency that can be attained by the TIP TIG process. With this type of application you attain the lowest weld dilution, the lowest distortion, no weld fusion or porosity concerns, no spatter, no weld cleaning no weld fume concerns and for 100% X-Ray welds no weld rework. See finished weld below. |
IN AN INDUSTRY IN WHICH IT''S DIFFICULT TO FIND SKILLED WELDERS.
TAKE NOTE THAT ON MOST TIG APPLICATIONS IT TYPICALLY TAKES
2 TO 3 TIG
/ SMAW WELDERS TO DO THE WORK OF ONE TIP TIG WELDER.

Don't forget to visit TIP TIG automation to see the
way the majority of pipes should be welded.
| TIP TIG AND THE TIP TIG PIPE OSSCILLATOR. No spatter. No slag. No porosity. No lack of fusion. No concerns for sluggish alloys. No fume issues. Always 100 - 400% faster than regular TIG. One process for the root and fill and same process for manual all position pipe welds. Note the quality of the untouched finished weld, it also could be a clad pass. |
| TIP TIG THE WELDERS CHOICE FOR PIPE WELDS. |
REGULAR TIG AND PULSED MIG CANNOT DELIVER THE MANUAL OR AUTO PIPE WELD QUALITY ATTAINABLE FROM TIP TIG. |
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Depending on the pipe diameter and wall thickness, TIP TIG pipe fill passes typically provide 100 - 500 % more weld than a manual TIG welder.
With TIP TIG foot controls not required. TIP TIG enables one or two hands on the weld torch. With TIP TIG you can eliminate the skills required to feed the weld wire. |
The TIP TIG wire is always directed in the optimum arc location. Manual weld travel rates are more constant. Lower weld heat, less fumes. Manual TIP TIG ROOT pipe welds typically made 50% faster than TIG and the welds. These weld should look like automated pipe welds. |
Download our TIP TIG brochure or call TIP TIG 856 312 8166.
For sales - quotes - parts or if you wish to send weld samples, phone
Nick Corso, eastern time at 856 312 8164. E-Mail Nick at nick@tiptigusa.com. For TIP TIG and weld application questions, phone Ed. Craig day or evening, eastern time at 828 337 2695. E-Mail. Ed at ed@tiptigusa.com. We are looking for TIP TIG dealers in TIP TIG. 155 9th Ave, Runnemede. NJ. O8078. USA. Phone. 856 312 8164. |
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Site Established 2001. Ed Craig Weld Reality. E-Mail ecraig@weldreality.com. Phone Eastern Time USA 828 658 3574.
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