TIGhitsausta

TIGhitsausta is the Finnish designation for the TIG welding process, also known as tungsten inert gas welding or GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding). The term is used in Finnish technical literature and may appear as TIG-hitsausta with a hyphen; it describes a welding method that forms an arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece, with the weld pool protected by an inert shielding gas. The process can be used with or without filler metal, depending on joint design.

A typical TIG welding setup includes a torch with a tungsten electrode, a suitable power source, a shielding gas supply (commonly argon, sometimes with helium or a mixed gas), a filler rod, and a grounding clamp. Operators control arc characteristics with precise pedal or hand controls, allowing for meticulous, slow welding.

TIG welding is valued for high-quality, clean welds and excellent mechanical properties on thin sections and difficult-to-weld materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium. It is widely used in aerospace, automotive, medical devices, and art fabrication, and is favored when aesthetics and joint integrity are critical. Limitations include relatively slow deposition rates, higher skill requirements, and higher equipment costs.

In Finnish and international usage, TIGhitsausta refers to this method, with terminology aligned to GTAW or TIG. See also: Tungsten inert gas welding, GTAW, welding processes.