When is a gas lens collet body needed for TIG welding?
A gas lens collet body provides a number of benefits for all but the most basic of applications. The primary benefit is improved shield gas coverage. This is achieved by flowing the shield gas past a series of concentric, layered screens of varying mesh. These screens generate a laminar gas flow which optimizes the weld zone coverage and eliminates the turbulence created by a standard collet body which can draw in contaminants from the surrounding air. A gas lens collet body is almost mandatory for TIG welding oxidizing materials such as aluminum. A secondary benefit of this improved shield gas coverage is that the tungsten electrode can be extended beyond the end of the gas cup by as much as 1 inch (2.54 cm). This electrode extension greatly improves welder visibility and can reduce tungsten inclusions and weld defects.
