Arc efficiency of TIG welding

[waqasmalik]

Hi all, why the arc efficiency in TIG welding is less as compared to other arc welding processes?
I define arc efficiency as

"Actual power available for melting the work piece/Total power delivered by power source "

 

[metengr]

https://app.aws.org/wj/supplement/WJ_1991_11_s287.pdf

 

[tbuelna]

Interesting question. But out of curiosity why is arc efficiency a concern for you? The TIG process has advantages over other fusion welding processes for many applications. Is electrical power consumption really a significant concern for your particular application, as opposed to other factors like weld quality?

 

[waqasmalik]

My concern was actually that why TIG is limited to small thickness parts? I have learnt that TIG has lowest arc efficiency so i thought that perhaps this could be the reason

 

[Mr168]

GTAW is routinely used on very thick parts in various industries, especially in machine GTAW applications (such as the power piping industry.) In many instances, it offers a higher percentage of first time quality compared to other processes, and can offer improved material properties in certain applications. However, it is low-deposition compared to many wire-fed processes, which increases production time, and in some cases, distortion. It may also require an added degree of cleanliness to achieve satisfactory results.

Consequently, it is more expensive.