TIG Welding Amperage Chart

Like any other type of welding, it is critical to understand TIG welding settings and requirements to create a sustainable and quality weld. Also, similar to other welding styles, TIG welding relies on essential variables to determine what settings are appropriate for each application.

If you are preparing to tackle a TIG welding task, having a few helpful charts tucked away in your back pocket can make the job easier, and you can finish quickly without running into any problems or messy endings.

Look at the TIG welding amperage charts below for information to help you with any weld, no matter the material, size, or anticipated outcome.

TIG Welding Chart Based on Material and Shielding Gas

The amperage required when TIG welding is highly affected by the type of metal you are working with and how thick that metal is.

The three main types of metals typically worked on with a TIG welder include Steel, Stainless Steel, and Aluminum. Each material requires a different amperage based on thickness.

As you can tell by the chart, the thicker the material, the higher the MIG welding amperage will need to be.

However, there are other things to consider when welding. Although the amperage is crucial, so is the voltage, welding speed, shielding gas, and electrode size.

Shielding Gas for TIG Welding

There are a few different types of shielding gas used when welding. Those familiar with the process know that each application requires a specific gas, depending on the metal you are working with.

• Stainless Steel: Argon/Helium Mix
• Aluminum: Argon
• Steel: Argon

The gas flow rate is also essential when TIG welding and should always be set to 10-15 L/m in.

The gas flow rate is crucial to ensure the joint's durability, integrity, and quality. If the flow rate is off, even by a small amount, it can lead to various welding defects and faulty joints.

TIG Welding Amperage and Voltage

Like stick welding, TIG welders are designed to have non-adjustable voltage settings. While you can adjust the amperage during the application, the voltage set in the beginning is typically where it will stay throughout the process.

Increasing the voltage during a weld, like increasing wire speed, creates more heat. The increase in temperature can affect the weld in varying degrees depending on the materials you work with.

As you can see in this chart, the thicker the material, the stronger the material, and the higher the amperage and voltage, the lower the welding speed.

Why? Simply because thicker material requires more heat to penetrate with a smooth and efficient weld.

TIG Welding Electrodes and Amperage

The tungsten electrodes required for TIG welding come in various sizes and types, each working with varying amperage. Here is a great reference guide to help you determine which electrode is right for your next job.

Chart values are based on the use of shielding argon gas and may differ depending on the gas, application, and equipment you use.

 This chart is based on the American Welding Society Standards.

The sizes of the electrodes in the chart above are based on the most common selections available. With that said, there are various sizes for specific jobs. Larger electrode diameters last longer and can sustain a higher amperage. Smaller electrode diameters offer users an easier transition to the start of the arc.

Types of TIG Tungsten

There are various types of TIG tungsten electrodes. Aside from pure tungsten (AC mode), represented by the color green, multiple oxides can be mixed with the material used for different modes.

Use this chart to help you choose the type of electrode best suited for each application. Below is a good resource to help you decide which selection works well with specific metals.

• Red: Copper alloy, titanium alloy, nickel alloy
• Blue: Magnesium alloy, copper alloy, aluminum alloy, nick alloy
• Green: Aluminum alloy and magnesium alloy
• Gold: Copper alloy, nickel alloy, titanium alloy
• White: Magnesium and aluminum alloy at high amp levels
• Gray: Magnesium alloy, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, copper alloy, nickel alloy, and low alloy steel

Final Thoughts

When using a MIG welder, various components work together simultaneously to ensure you get the correct amount of heat, arc, and overall weld joint. Understanding what amperage is and the best settings for each situation will help provide a beautiful outcome every time.