View our welding gas selector tool here to compare the different types of welding gases we offer and which is suitable for your metal fabrication application.
You can also download our gas selector guide in PDF to help you choose the right gas for your application.
Welding Gas Cylinders
Energas have a comprehensive range of cylinder gases available. All of our welding cylinders are available in a variety of sizes, ranging from small portable cylinders through to high capacity cylinder packs.
There are also different cylinder packaging options available including Exeltop, Qlixbi Classic, and Qlixbi R.
Our Exeltop and Qlixbi R cylinder tops are equipped with a built-in regulator for precise flow control. They are packed with features and designed to make it safe and easy to use, whilst saving you both time and money.
Types of Welding Gases
Welding gases are used in various welding processes to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination, control the temperature, and aid in the formation of a strong , durable weld joint. The choice of welding gas will depend on the welding process and the type of metal being welded e.g. carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminium and alloys. You may also need to consider the desired weld characteristics and the equipment available.
There are different categories of gases used in welding. Each category serves specific purposes and has unique properties.
Shielding Gases are primarily used in welding to protect the weld arc from atmospheric contamination. They create a stable environment around the weld pool to prevent oxidation and other undesirable reactions during the welding process.
Shielding gases are used in TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas), MIG (Metal Inert Gas), and MAG (Metal Active Gas) welding processes.
Inert Gases are a subset of shielding gases that do not chemically react with metals or other materials. They create a non-reactive atmosphere to prevent oxidation and contamination during welding.
Inert gases are commonly used in TIG welding to weld non-ferrous metals like aluminium, titanium, and stainless steel.
Speciality Gases are used in specific, often specialised applications that require unique properties. They may not be inert or used for shielding but are essential for specific industrial processes.
Common Welding Gases
Argon (Ar): Argon is commonly used as an inert shielding gas in TIG welding, particularly for welding non-ferrous metals like aluminium, titanium, and stainless steel.
Helium (He): Helium is often used in combination with other gases for TIG welding, especially for materials that require a hotter and more penetrating arc, such as aluminium and copper.
Carbon Dioxide (CO2): CO2 is frequently used in MIG and MAG welding, particularly for carbon steel and some low-alloy steel applications.
Oxygen (O2): Oxygen is occasionally added to shielding gases to improve weld pool fluidity and penetration, mainly when welding carbon steel and mild steel.
Nitrogen (N2): Nitrogen may be added to shielding ases to improve arc stability and reduce porosity when welding stainless steel and other non-ferrous metals.
Acetylene (C2H2): Acetylene is primarily used in oxy-fuel welding and cutting processes, providing a high-temperature flame for cutting and welding metals.
Argon-CO2 Mixtures: Mixtures of argon and CO2 are commonly used in MIG and MAG welding, providing a balance between penetration and reduced spatter, often used in carbon steel.
Argon-Helium Mixtures: These mixtures are used for TIG welding when a hotter arc is needed, typically for thicker materials and high-speed welding.
If you want to learn more about welding gases and other gases then please visit the gas encyclopedia by Air Liquide.
If you want to learn more about welding gases and other gases then please visit the by Air Liquide. Energas has a network of 15 locations across the UK. You can find our nearest gas supplier to you by using the . Through our Engweld brand, we also supply gas regulators, gas cylinder trolleys, gas cages, as well as IG welders, TIG welders, elders, and other . If you have any questions or queries please use the contact form above and one of our experts will come back to you.