TIG welding services provide a superior weld where distortion is low and fillers may or may not be used. TIG welding may also be employed on a wide variety of metals. Overall, TIG welding techniques are considered the best choice when you require precision. ("TIG welding" stands for "Tungsten Inert Gas welding, and may also be called "Gas Tungsten Arc Welding" or "GTAW.")

Even if you have your own TIG welders, there may be times when you want to employ the help of outside TIG welding service providers to do your welding. Before you make this decision, however, consider the following:

1. Do you require TIG welding services for general welding?

2. Do you need custom TIG welding for a special application?

3. Can your own employees handle the job with the right TIG welding supplies?

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find general TIG welding services

For your general TIG welding needs, seek out a company specializing in commercial or industrial services. Such companies should be able to provide precise and virtually invisible welds on a variety of metals, including steel, stainless steel, nickel alloys, chromoly, magnesium, aluminum, copper, bronze, gold and brass.

I recommend: Helfrich Tool & Die Corp. offers precision TIG welding services to southern California, specializing in industrial applications from prototypes to production. Miracle Welding Inc. supplies TIG welding services for a variety of commercial and industrial needs. Schenke Tool Co. offers TIG welder services on a wide variety of materials.

Seek custom TIG welder services for special applications

Sometimes you'll need a company that specializes in custom services. The company might provide a solution to a particular TIG welding problem, develop a TIG welding procedure for you, fabricate your latest prototype or even do all the TIG welding for your production line.

I recommend: Pendarvis Manufacturing, Inc. offers custom TIG welding services on a wide variety of metals, including aluminum, stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium and bronze. American Metallurgical Consultants specialize in weld failure analysis, solving welding engineering problems and developing welding procedures, including those for TIG welding. Metal Dynamix offers custom TIG welding and fabrication for commercial and industrial use.

Purchase TIG welding supplies

Whether or not you seek the services of an outside TIG welding provider, you may want your own welders to work on a TIG project, too. Fortunately, TIG welding supplies are abundant, and there are many sources for supplies, from rods to TIG welding machines.

I recommend: WeldingSupply.com offers a large selection of TIG welding supplies, including rods, electrodes, TIG gloves and more. WeldingDIRECT.com sells TIG welder parts and supplies such as nozzles, foot controls, power cables and trigger switches. WeldingDepot.com carries coolant for TIG machines, balloon inflators, TIG welding machines and much more.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  TIG welding requires much more dexterity than other types of welding, so be sure whoever you hire thoroughly understands TIG welding technology and has plenty of experience providing TIG welding services.