What is the purpose of a gas lens in welding?

The purpose of a gas lens in welding is to provide improved shielding gas coverage by preventing turbulence. In Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), maintaining a stable and effective shielding gas flow is crucial for protecting the weld pool from contamination while ensuring a clean and high-quality weld. A gas lens achieves this by diffusing the flow of the shielding gas, which minimizes turbulence that can disrupt the protective gas envelope around the weld area.

By reducing turbulence, the gas lens allows for a more consistent flow of shielding gas, which helps to adequately shield the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination. This is especially important in applications that require high-quality welds, such as aerospace or automotive industries where weld integrity and purity are paramount.

The other choices do not accurately describe the function of a gas lens. For instance, increasing the pressure of the shielding gas is not its primary function, nor does it regulate the temperature of the welding arc or enhance the conductivity of the torch. The gas lens specifically focuses on the effective delivery and coverage of the shielding gas for optimal welding performance.