Argon/CO2 vs. Straight CO2 Pictures?

admin

I've done lots of research on 75-25 argon/CO2 and just straight CO2.Can someone post up some pictures of welding with each of these gases.  I'd like to see what the difference is appearance-wise and penetration-wise on say 1/4 mild steal using the same heat.If there is a link to some pics just let me know. I realize this has been covered many times, but i've never seen any actual photos or demonstrations.
Reply:Just go to the Miller or Lincoln or ESAB websites and look at the pictures or drawings (derived from pictures or from actual viewing of the cross-sectioned and polished and micro-etched welds).Unless someone (David-R maybe) is bored and feels like experimenting.
Reply:Originally Posted by chadwickz71I've done lots of research on 75-25 argon/CO2 and just straight CO2.
Reply:oh just normal stuff....  most people say, CO2= more penetration, but might not be as pretty and might have more splatter.AR-Co2= less penetration than CO2 but maybe a prettier weld and little less splatter.Why im asking though is the "Pretty" and "little less splatter" parts are all kind of hard to get a true gauge of.  Photos would be great.I'll go check out the sites.
Reply:I will take some pictures tommorow, same heat, same wire. One with 75/25 one with straight CO2.Yup
Reply:GREAT!!Make sure to use the same welding style on both so we can get a good idea on what we're looking at.Thanks for making the effort
Reply:No problem, our company also certifies other other welders, we should have some test plates around.Yup
Reply:I don't have any AR/CO2 for comparison. I do use straight CO2 with my MIG and I like it very much. I use liberal amounts of Nozzle Gel and keep the tip clean and that seems to help. Also, anti-spatter spray is available. I've used that as well and it miinimizes the spatter.to a great exent. If you use the spray, what spatter there is will generally come off with a wire brush, I understand that AR/CO2 is cleaner but, as I say, I have no way to compare. Considering the nice penetration that CO2 provides and also the low cost, it makes a good alternative for a hobby welder like myself.  I would also like to see some comparison photos..
Reply:We use just straight CO2 at work most of the time and I can make a weld look just as good using it.  You will get a little more splatter than c-25 or 92-8.  I wouldn't say that is it enough to worry about though.  For the price it sure beats flux core now doesn't it?  Matt
Reply:Hopefully Burnit will chime in here in a while.Im waiting for the pictures.
Reply:100% co2 will give better penetration. but the real issue is side wall fusion. hardwire is notorious for it's poor side wall fusion. that is the reason spray transfer is preferred for a better quality weld. 100% co2 will not allow spray transfer. 75-25 will allow better side wall fusion over 100% co2
Reply:Ok guys sorry I have not been back. Work got busy yesterday and today as well. So I didnt have time to run those plates  I feel like a d-bag but things just got too crazy around here the past couple days.I PROMISE I will get to it monday. Same wire, machine, and material. Did you want hard wire?Yup
Reply:I have been too busy too Burnit.  47 hours in as of Thursday night.  David.Real world weldin.  When I grow up I want to be a tig weldor.
Reply:I use CO2 for its price and I don't have any Argon mix to compare it with - bottle's empty.Here are a couple of shots of welds with CO2 only. As welded, no clean up done. Spatter about the weld is not bad and I think the weld looks fine but I do get a lot of spatter in the Nozzle and need to keep it clean, to keep the welds good. I probably tend to weld a bit close, which doesn't help either..03 wire on 2" equal angle 1/4" thick on to 2" x 1" x 1/8" RHS. "One of the things we have to be thankful for is that we don't get as much government as we pay for." (Charles Kettering)Mitch 180 (NZ)Lincoln SAM-400-220 + ?-400 Fordson Major + 2 x Tractapac Humber 80 + Procut 40 PlasmaMiller Spectrum 375
Reply:Thats looks pretty clean. I have never used CO2 for hardwire before, just flux. I am curious as to how the plates will turn outYup
Reply:Burnit, I would rather it be just regular mig wire, no flux core etc. but either way, i won't get picky.