Red Seal Boilermaker Practice Exam

What is gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) also known as?

1. MIG welding

2. Stick welding

3. Laser welding

4. TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding

The correct answer is: TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding

Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is synonymous with the term TIG welding, which stands for Tungsten Inert Gas welding. This welding process uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to produce the weld and an inert gas, typically argon or helium, to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination. The use of a non-consumable electrode allows for precise and controlled welding, making it suitable for a variety of materials, including thin metals. TIG welding is widely appreciated for its versatility, enabling the welder to work on both ferrous and non-ferrous materials with a high degree of quality. It requires a skilled operator to manage the arc and filler materials effectively, thus producing clean and precise welds. This process is particularly favored in applications requiring detailed work, such as aerospace, automotive, and artistic metal fabrication. The other options refer to different welding processes: MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas) utilizes a continuously fed consumable wire, stick welding employs a consumable electrode coated in flux, and laser welding uses focused light energy to join materials. Each of these methods has its specific applications and characteristics that differ significantly from those of GTAW/TIG welding.