What does the term "autogenous" mean in respect to GTAW welding?

The term "autogenous" specifically refers to a welding process where the weld is created using only the base metals without the addition of any filler material. In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), this means that the edges of the workpieces are melted and fused together solely through the heat generated by the electric arc, leading to a pure joint formed by the interaction of the materials being welded. This technique is particularly advantageous for achieving clean and aesthetically pleasing welds when working with metals that have good compatibility and proper thickness for joining without a filler.

Understanding "autogenous" welding is crucial for specific applications where adding a filler may introduce impurities or alter the desired properties of the weld joint.