2006-07-14 10:36:37 · 8 answers · asked by NayaMee 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
It prevents oxidation and corrosion.
2006-07-14 10:39:51 · answer #1 · answered by Thermo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Before wire feed, welders used (and still use) a specific metal rod covered with "flux". The flux would burn, creating a gas envelope over the weld depriving the welded surface of corrosive oxygen. With the advent of wire feed, a different way of creating that gas envelope needed to be created. It was found that any inert gas could do the same job as flux and, as they were the cheapest non reactive gasses to produce, helium and argon-and even nitrogen-are used.
2006-07-14 17:42:55 · answer #2 · answered by revolvur2000 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They provide a neutral welding atmosphere and prevent oxidation since Helium and Argon are unreactive.
2006-07-14 17:40:30 · answer #3 · answered by III 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are inert gases which shield the weld from air or oxygen. This virtually eliminates oxidation and other weakening processes in the weld.
2006-07-14 17:44:45 · answer #4 · answered by M D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
helium and argon are noble gas so they are lighter than air.
2006-07-14 19:45:45 · answer #5 · answered by favour 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
helium and argon are noble gases that are very unreactive.
2006-07-14 17:38:59 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably becuase it keeps the weldy part from becoming too unstable
2006-07-14 21:02:02 · answer #7 · answered by aarqon 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they're light, non-reactive, and won't split themselves.
2006-07-14 22:18:50 · answer #8 · answered by The Frontrunner 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋