Shielding Gases

Air Products offers a full range of pure gases for laser welding of all material types.

Which gases are used?

A range of pure elemental gases and gas mixtures can be used for laser welding. However, the best and most commonly used gases are the elemental inert gases helium (He) and argon (Ar).

Helium has unique properties which make it the preferred shielding gas for high speed, high power laser welding. Helium has:

• High thermal conductivity, producing welds with an excellent
  aspect ratio
• High ionisation potential, producing excellent plasma
  suppression and high weld speeds

All shielding gases are available in a range of convenient and cost effective gas supply options including cylinder packs and bulk for high throughput or multiple laser installations.