ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Gas tungsten arc welding

Gas tungsten arc welding, also known as TIG welding, is kind of like using a really hot glue gun to stick pieces of metal together.

The glue gun in TIG welding is actually a really hot flame made by an electric arc that jumps from a tungsten electrode to the metal. This creates a heat source that melts the metal and allows it to join together.

In order to protect the metal from things like air and a big meanie called oxidation, a gas is used to cover the area where the welding is happening. This gas is usually argon or a mix of argon and some other gases.

The person doing the welding has to use two hands to control the flame and a wire filler material that is added to the weld to make it stronger.

It can be a bit tricky to do TIG welding because it takes a lot of focus and patience, but the end result is a strong and pretty weld that is often used in things like airplanes, bicycles, and even jewelry!