xFUME® TIG: Fume extraction torch for clean TIG welding
Reliable extraction at the source for highly harmful welding fumes
TIG welding is considered an almost fume-free welding process. Compared to MIG welding or MAG welding, there is considerably less visible welding fume – but appearances are deceptive: the resulting fumes are mostly invisible, but even more dangerous if they are inhaled.
TIG welding is often used for welding work where visual appearance is important in addition to quality. Materials welded with the TIG process are, for example, stainless steel, also high-alloy stainless steel or aluminum, which look very nice when welded cleanly and evenly. However, welding such materials releases toxic welding fume particles that are mostly invisible, but no less dangerous. If these are inhaled, serious long-term consequences can occur, such as aluminum silicosis or, in the worst case, cancer in the respiratory tract. This means that invisible welding fumes still exist and must be absorbed and discharged directly at the process before they can enter the ambient air and the respiratory organs. With the air cooled as well as liquid cooled xFUME® TIG extraction torches, ABICOR BINZEL has developed fume extraction torches especially for TIG welding, which absorb the welding fumes at the point of origin and thus prevent toxic fumes from being inhaled.
The xFUME® TIG fume extraction torches are ideal when used with a mobile welding fume extraction unit from ABICOR BINZEL such as the xFUME Advanced 115. Both extraction units guarantee the reliable extraction of highly harmful fumes. Of course, the xFUME® TIG extraction torches can also be connected to other models from ABICOR BINZEL or fume extraction units from other manufacturers as well.
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Which gases are produced during TIG welding?
The TIG welding process produces ozone and nitrogen oxide. The regulations for occupational health and safety TRGS 905 – Technical Rules for Hazardous Substances list of carcinogenic, germ cell mutagenic or reproduction toxic substances – state that ozone is one of the substances classified as carcinogenic. Ozone is formed from a reaction between nitrogen oxide and oxygen with the action of UV radiation produced by the electric arc during welding. If the amperage is higher, the intensity of the UV radiation also increases. Particularly high levels of ozone are produced when welding aluminum-silicon alloys and pure aluminum.
But ozone does not only escape from the process through the UV radiation outside the arc and thus into the environment, the shiny metallic surfaces of the workpiece itself also reflect the UV radiation. This means that ozone formation can occur even at a greater distance from the process. The low level of fumes produced during TIG welding also helps to increase the formation of ozone: Less fumes allow the UV rays to spread more easily.
Nickel oxide and chromium (VI) compounds are extremely harmful gases produced during TIG welding. They arise during the welding of stainless steel and are considered as a cause of cancer according to various studies. These gases can or may only be absorbed with a special filter with a W3 separation degree and disposed of in accordance with local environmental regulations.
TIG fume extraction torch xFUME® TIG in detail
The air cooled xFUME® TIG 150 up to 105 amperes AC (150 A DC) at 35 % duty cycle and the liquid cooled xFUME® TIG 300 W up to 210 amperes AC (300A DC) at 100 % duty cycle are ideally suited for welding stainless steels, aluminum alloys as well as high-alloy materials in general manufacturing. The xFUME® TIG 300 W is a strong performer in both standard TIG welding processes and high amperage AC processes – e. g. when welding aluminum materials. Of course, it can also be used for all other TIG welding processes.
Wherever materials are mainly welded which release harmful welding fumes during welding, the xFUME® TIG extraction torches are safe and reliable tools for welders.
In addition to the newly developed, patented, combined protection and extraction nozzle, the xFUME® TIG fume extraction torches use ABICOR BINZEL's 1000-times proven high-performance wear part concept with electrode holder. This contains clamping sleeve and clamping sleeve housing combined in one part, offers a large surface for current transmission and heat dissipation and ensures perfect positioning of the tungsten electrode. Since with this concept the TIG wear part clamping sleeve is no longer required, this also has a positive effect on stock-keeping and operating costs.
TIG welding is used in applications where the weld seam should have a particularly good appearance. Because very fine and precise weld seams are often produced by this process, the TIG torch must be extremely handy as well as lightweight and ensure an ideal view of the process – and so must a TIG fume extraction torch. The TIG welding fume extraction torches xFUME® TIG have a combined ceramic protection and extraction nozzle, which has a slim front end and thus ensures a very good view of the welding process. TIG welding fume extraction becomes easy with xFUME® TIG.
The advantages of xFUME® TIG at a glance:
- Reliable extraction of harmful fumes
- Outstanding ergonomics and handling
- Patented, combined ceramic protection and extraction nozzle for slim front end
- Very good protective gas coverage
- Suitable for all mobile fume extraction units
Blogs about welding fume extraction
- The 11 most frequently asked questions about fume extraction
- 5 mistakes to avoid with a fume extraction torch
- What you should consider with welding fume filters
More information about extraction technology can be found in our »ABIBLOG«
Videos about welding & fume extraction can be found on the »ABICOR BINZEL YouTube channel« .
Ready to Remove Fumes from Your Welding Shop and Boost Production?
You have the option to arrange an in-person demonstration of our fume extraction solutions, receive a customized quote tailored to your specific requirements, or reach out to us for further information.