Can MIG Welders Weld Titatium?

MIG welding can join almost any kind of metal from soft materials like aluminum to hard metals like titanium.

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding uses an electric current and a shield of carbon dioxide and argon gas to create extreme temperatures hot enough to weld most metals, including titanium.

Cleanliness

Due to its high tendency to oxidize while molten, titanium requires greater gas shielding during and after welding than most other metals. Unlike aluminum, which dissipates heat quickly and therefore is not liquid long enough to become contaminated, titanium cools slowly and can be contaminated at temperatures as cool as 800 degrees Fahrenheit.

Reverse Polarity

Due to the increased heat needs for MIG welding titanium, the electric current setting must be set to reverse polarity (DCRP).

Joint and Arc Specifications

Titanium can be joined in the same joint techniques used for other metals so long as the physical setup is conducive to the extra gas shielding needs of titanium. The welding arc should be equal to the electrode diameter, or one and a half times the electrode diameter if you are using a titanium-based filler material.

References

• Titanium Metals Corporation: Titanium Design and Fabrication Handbook for Industrial Applications
• Azo Materials: Titanium - Welding and Heat Treating