Active Gas Component
Active gas components are reactive gases like carbon dioxide or oxygen mixed into shielding gas to control oxidation and improve penetration.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Active gas components react with the metal and the weld pool to influence oxidation reactions. Carbon dioxide (CO2), for example, reduces the oxygen content in the shielding gas, while oxygen (O2) promotes penetration.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
An inadequate concentration of active gas components can lead to increased oxidation or weaker penetration. This can cause porosity, loss of strength, and cracks in the weld pool.
Workshop Practice & Working Instructions
The concentration of active gas components should be set precisely. For steel welding, a mixture of 90% argon, 5% carbon dioxide, and 5% oxygen is typically used. The exact proportions depend on the metal and the welding method.