Titanium Welding Parameters and Procedures
Welding parameters for titanium alloys including TIG MIG parameters shielding gas requirements and joint preparation.
| Property | Value | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| TIG Current (1.5mm) | 60-90 | A | Typical starting value |
| TIG Current (3.0mm) | 100-140 | A | |
| TIG Current (6.0mm) | 160-220 | A | |
| Torch Argon Flow | 10-15 | L/min | 99.995% Ar |
| Trailing Argon Flow | 15-25 | L/min | |
| Backing Argon Flow | 5-10 | L/min |
TIG Welding Parameters
| Thickness (mm) | Current (A) | Voltage (V) | Travel Speed (mm/min) | Filler Dia (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 | 60-90 | 10-12 | 100-150 | 1.6 |
| 3.0 | 100-140 | 10-14 | 80-120 | 2.4 |
| 6.0 | 160-220 | 12-16 | 60-100 | 3.2 |
Shielding Gas Requirements
| Zone | Gas | Flow Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Torch | 99.995% Ar | 10-15 L/min |
| Trailing | 99.995% Ar | 15-25 L/min |
| Backing | 99.995% Ar | 5-10 L/min |
Joint Preparation
- Clean within 2 hours of welding: degrease, acid etch, DI water rinse
- Remove oxide layer to bright metal
- Wire brush with stainless steel brush (titanium-only)
- No chlorinated solvents (causes stress corrosion cracking)
Evidence Basis
Based on AWS D1.9 (Structural Welding Code — Titanium) for welding procedure qualification and shielding requirements, plus typical TIG parameters. AWS D1.9 governs procedure/operator qualification and weld quality, not fixed current/voltage values — the parameters here are typical starting values.
Engineering Interpretation (titanium.blog)
(titanium.blog) Titanium must be welded under a fully inert argon shield (torch, trailing, and backing zones) because it absorbs oxygen/nitrogen above ~540°C, embrittling the weld. AWS D1.9 defines the acceptance criteria and procedure-qualification route; the listed currents are typical starting points to be validated in a qualified procedure. Shielding is non-negotiable.