Abstract: Twin-tungsten TIG welding was developed, in which two electrodes were placed in a single welding torch. In order to master this process, the arc physics characteristic was studied. The twin-tungsten coupling arc shape was observed by using CCD camera, and the arc pressure was measured. The results show that the coupling arc includes two arcs that pull each other according to Lorentz force and one big coupling arc is formed; the coupling arc pressure is much lower than that of conventional TIG arc. In the end, a simple welding experiment was carried out. This proves that stable welding process can be achieved by twin-tungsten TIG at higher current than that of conventional TIG because of its low arc pressure and the high efficiency welding is realized.

Key words: arc physics; twin-tungsten TIG; coupling arc; arc pressure; high efficiency welding