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What are Hytec™ 2 and Hytec™ 5?

Hytec 2 and Hytec 5 are argon/hydrogen shielding gas mixtures for the high quality, high integrity TIG welding of austenitic stainless steel, cupro-nickel and nickel alloys.

The benefits of Hytec

Hytec offers the following benefits over argon:

Increased welding speed.
Improved penetration.
Cleaner weld appearance requiring less post-weld dressing.
Enhanced bead profile.
Lower gas consumption.
Overall cost savings due to fewer rejects.

Which Hytec?

Hytec 2—suitable for manual TIG on all material thicknesses. Also suitable for automatic and orbital TIG welding on thin section material.

Hytec 5—suitable for automatic and orbital TIG welding.


	Autogenous TIG welding of stainless steel.

The technology of TIG welding with Hytec

Pure argon is suitable for all TIG welding applications, but when used for the welding of austenitic stainless steels, cupro-nickel and nickel alloys it is renowned for being relatively slow because of tenacious surface oxides that reduce the weldability of these metals. Air Products developed the Hytec range of argon/hydrogen shielding gas mixtures to enable these metals to be TIG welded much quicker—significantly improving productivity.

The controlled hydrogen content of each mixture produces a reducing atmosphere which prevents the formation of surface oxides and encourages easier, faster welding. Welds are typically bright and extremely clean. This reducing atmosphere also provides a very efficient shield, enabling substantial reductions in shielding gas flow rates—in fact, total gas consumption can usually be cut by up to one third.

A higher arc voltage is obtained with Hytec when compared with argon. This greatly improves the 'wetting' action of the weld pool, improves bead profile and allows increases in welding speeds of up to 25%.

Ozone reduction

Research has shown that during the TIG welding of stainless steels the Hytec range of shielding gases produce significantly lower levels of ozone than traditional shielding gas mixtures.

Analysis

Hytec 2: 98% argon, 2% hydrogen (EN439 Grade R1)
Hytec 5: 95% argon, 5% hydrogen (EN439 Grade R1)

Regulators

All Hytec cylinders are fitted with a 5/8 inch BSP left-hand outlet valve. Hytec cylinders therefore require the use of left-hand threaded regulators. These regulators are available from the Air Products FAST PARTS range. Please contact our Customer Services Team for further information.

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What are Hytec 2 and Hytec 5?

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