Welding Gas Coverage Calculator
Visualize and estimate the effective diameter of your shielding gas coverage to help ensure complete weld pool protection and prevent porosity.
The Invisible Cone of Protection
In MIG (GMAW) and TIG (GTAW) welding, the shielding gas that flows from the nozzle doesn't create a perfect cylinder of protection. It expands in a cone shape. Understanding the size of this cone at the workpiece is crucial. If your weld pool is wider than your gas coverage, the edges of the weld will be exposed to the atmosphere, resulting in porosity and oxidation.
What is a Gas Lens?
A gas lens is a special type of nozzle for TIG and MIG guns. It contains fine mesh screens that smooth out the flow of gas, creating a much more stable and less turbulent "laminar" flow. This creates a wider, more effective cone of protection, allowing you to have a longer electrode stickout without losing coverage. This is especially useful for welding inside corners or other hard-to-reach areas.