Argon, Industrial Grade

Argon, Industrial Grade — Inert Gas for Welding, Fabrication & Shielding

Argon (Industrial Grade) is an inert, non-flammable compressed gas used widely for welding and metal fabrication, shielding sensitive processes, and protecting reactive materials from atmospheric contamination. Supplied in high-pressure cylinders for New Zealand industry, it delivers stable arc starts, reduced spatter and cleaner welds when used as a primary or balance gas in common shielding mixes.

Typical Uses

• GTAW/TIG welding (stainless, aluminium, copper alloys): pure argon shielding for clean, controlled arcs and excellent puddle visibility.
  

• GMAW/MIG welding: base component in many aluminium and stainless programs; often blended with helium or active components depending on process.
  

• Back-purging & inerting: displacement of air in pipework, vessels and gloveboxes to protect weld roots and sensitive components.
  

• Metals processing & laboratory support: inert atmosphere for melting, atomising, sintering and general purge applications.
  
  

For critical processes requiring specific impurities (O₂, H₂O, THC) at ppm/ppb levels, select specialty or higher-purity grades.

Why Choose Coregas NZ for Argon

• Local NZ supply & delivery with fast turnaround to fabrication shops and project sites.
  

• Reliable cylinder fleet & stewardship—return cylinders for safe refilling and end-of-life processing.
  

• Process know-how across welding and industrial applications to help specify the right grade and flow control.

Product Highlights

• Inert & non-reactive: helps prevent oxidation and nitridation during welding and thermal processing.
  

• Clean arc initiation & stability: consistent shielding improves bead appearance and reduces post-weld clean-up.
  

• Versatile: use neat for TIG and aluminium MIG, or as the base gas in multi-component blends tailored to your procedure.

Safety & Handling Essentials (Summary)

• Classification: compressed gas; non-flammable and chemically inert, but can displace oxygen in poorly ventilated areas.
  

• Asphyxiation risk: high local concentrations may lead to dizziness, unconsciousness or worse; ensure good ventilation in enclosed spaces.
  

• Storage: keep cylinders upright, restrained, dry and well-ventilated, out of direct sun and away from heat.
  

• Handling: never drag, drop or roll cylinders; use a rated cylinder trolley; keep valve protection in place when not in use.
  

• PPE (typical): safety glasses, leather gloves and safety boots for normal handling; use additional respiratory protection if ventilation is inadequate for confined tasks.
  

• Fire: not combustible; if involved in a fire, keep cylinders cool from a protected location and evacuate if cylinders cannot be cooled.
  

• Leaks: move the cylinder (only if safe) to a ventilated remote area; do not attempt to repair valves or safety devices yourself.

Transport & Site Logistics (Overview)

• Transport cylinders secured and upright in a ventilated vehicle compartment; keep valves closed and capped.
  

• Brief drivers/contractors on gas hazards and emergency actions; isolate from ignition sources and heavy loose gear.
  

• At site, position cylinders where they are protected from traffic, not blocking exits, and accessible for change-outs.

Application Notes for Welders & Fabricators

• Flow rates: optimise to maintain a stable envelope without turbulence; excessive flow increases gas use and can entrain air.
  

• Torch angle & stick-out: keep consistent to avoid pulling air into the shielding zone.
  

• Joint prep & cleanliness: remove oxides, oils and moisture to get full benefit from inert shielding.
  

• Purge dams for stainless/titanium: use argon back-purging to protect weld roots and prevent sugar/oxidation.
  

• Procedure qualification: align shielding gas selection with WPS/PQR requirements and consumable manufacturer data.