For most Stainless steel and Titanium welding applications, it is paramount to prevent any oxidation or discolouration from forming on or adjacent to the weld.

To give additional argon gas shield coverage during welding, a ‘Trailing Shield’ can be fitted to the welding torch.

This ensures that the hot weld zone is shielded with Argon for a longer period, than if it were shielded with the torch nozzle gas only.

The extra inert gas shielding gives time for the metal to cool, below the temperature at which it would oxidise. The improved shielding produces a brighter, shinier weld without discolouration.

Leading British welding ancillaries manufacturer Huntingdon Fusion Techniques Ltd (HFT) provide a wide range of trailing shields to fit any make of TIG (GTAW), MIG or Plasma (PAW) welding torch for Manual or Automatic welding.

Flat trailing shields are available for the welding of sheet metalwork or plate work. Radiussed trailing shields are manufactured for every diameter of tube pipe or vessel from 1” upwards.

As well as the popular ones radiused for outside welding, HFT also manufactures a version for inside welding.

Other trailing shield models are available for Robotic welding where the shields are wider and longer for greater welding speeds that are possible with manual welding.

Other additional benefits are that gas consumption is reduced, faster welding times are obtained and the need to use a purge enclosure is eliminated.

Argweld® Trailing Shields can be used for welding stainless steel, duplexes and titanium.

Further details about the product can be obtained from the company.