Which shielding gas was first used in GTAW?

The first shielding gas used in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) was helium. Helium is an inert gas that offers a high degree of thermal conductivity, making it effective for achieving the necessary arc stability and weld quality in TIG welding. Using helium allows for a high level of penetration and is particularly advantageous when welding thick materials or metals with high thermal conductivities, such as aluminum and copper.

Helium’s properties contributed to its early adoption in the GTAW process, as it helped welders achieve strong and clean welds, which is essential in applications requiring high precision. While argon later became the more commonly used gas in GTAW due to its lower cost and better arc stability for a broader range of materials, helium remains valuable for certain specialized welding applications.