Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of TIG welding?

TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is primarily characterized by its ability to provide high precision in welding applications, making it ideal for situations where a clean and controlled weld is necessary. The process employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create an arc, which then melts the base material and, if needed, a filler material that is added manually.

When it comes to the characteristics of TIG welding, it is not typically associated with welding thick materials. Instead, TIG welding is more commonly used for thinner materials due to the precision and lower heat input it provides. While it can be used for thicker materials with the correct setup and techniques, this is not its primary application, as other processes like MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding or stick welding might be more efficient for thicker sections.

Therefore, the choice stating that TIG welding is typically used for welding thick materials does not align with the general practices and applications of the GTAW process, making it the correct answer to the question. This highlights the unique standing of TIG welding in terms of its common applications and suitability for precise and finer work over thicker materials.