Which welding process requires inert shielding gases to protect the weld?

The process that requires inert shielding gases to protect the weld is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), commonly known as TIG welding. In this method, an inert gas, usually argon or helium, is used to shield the weld area from atmospheric contamination during the welding process. This is crucial because the quality of the weld can be compromised by the presence of oxygen and nitrogen, which can lead to defects like porosity or inclusions.

The inert gas flows around the tungsten electrode and the molten weld pool, ensuring that the integrity of the weld is maintained. This shielding prevents oxidation and contamination of the molten metal, leading to cleaner, stronger, and more aesthetically pleasing welds.

While other processes like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding also utilize shielding gases, they often require active gases or mixtures (like a combination of argon and CO2) that do not provide the same level of protection as inert gases used in GTAW. Stick welding, on the other hand, relies on flux-covered electrodes to create a shielding gas as the electrode is consumed, and submerged arc welding utilizes a layer of flux or granular material to protect the weld area, eliminating the need for external shielding gases.