Inert to all materials at all temperatures and pressures. Lower thermal conductivity than most other gases. Low ionising pottential allows easy forming of a welding arc without reacting with the metal being welded. In the liquid format, liquid argon is often abbreviated to "LAR".
Uses
- TIG welding stainless steel of all thicknesses
- MIG and TIG welding of copper and alloys up to 3mm
- Nearly always used to exclude air from contact with metals and alloys in purging and welding processes
- Plasma cutting
- Carrier gas in gas chromatography