A Review of the Activated Flux Tungsten Inert Gas (A-TIG) Welding Process

A-TIG welding, also known as activated flux tungsten inert gas welding, is a sophisticated technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. The concept of A-TIG originated in the 1950s at the EO Paton Institute of Electric Welding in the Soviet Union. This process represents a modification of the conventional TIG or C-TIG welding, which has been a successful joining technique for thin sheets but is limited by its low heat input. A-TIG introduces the innovative approach of applying specialized fluxes on surfaces before welding, leading to a substantial increase in penetration depth at the same input parameters without requiring the use of filler material. This enhancement is attributed to the arc constriction resulting from the interaction of the activated flux’s fumes, making the arc denser. As a remarkable result, A-TIG has the capability to significantly increase the weld beat penetration depth by almost two times or even more. The present work aims to consolidate the advancements made in this process over the years, encompassing its current status, challenges, and future potential. To achieve this, an extensive literature survey has been conducted to present this technique to the fabrication industry, where it holds significant promise in delivering deep and clean joints.