Argon CO2 Mixtures: Argon/carbon dioxide blends are versatile mixtures for welding Carbon, Low-Alloy and some Stainless Steels. Increasing the CO2 content will increase weld penetration and bead wetting characteristics. At higher current levels and CO2 content, increased spatter may result. Ar/CO2 blends can be used to join a wide range of material thickness while utilizing a variety of modes of metal transfer. Ar/CO2 blends are used for all kinds of structural steel, farm implements and machinery. Lower levels of CO2 can be used for the pulsed arc or spray arc welding, while higher levels > 20% are used for short arc welding and the shielding of some flux-cored wires.
Some of the commonly used ratios are as follows:
ARGON 95% - 5% Co2 - used for pulsed spray transfer and short-circuiting transfer on a variety of material thicknesses.
ARGON 90% - 10% Co2 - For spray transferring mild steel.
ARGON 85% - 15% Co2 - used for variety of applications on Carbon and Low-Alloy Steels.
ARGON 80% - 20% Co2 - used for short circuiting or spray transfer welding of Carbon Steel.
ARGON 75% - 25% Co2 - for short circuiting low carbon steel.