Trailing shields
September 1st 2004

When using purge gas, normally argon, to protect welds from oxidisation, the area of hot metal behind the torch is often ignored and this can lead to bad welds.

This can often be seen on larger pipes and thicker materials where the volume of hot metal means cooling takes place after the torch has passed.

To overcome this problem, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques (HFT) manufactures a range of Trailing Shields under the Argweld brand. These cover the area behind the torch with purge gas, preventing unwanted chemical reactions and helping to cool the weld pool.

HFT produces lightweight trailing shields to fit almost any radius of pipe or tube, internal and external, so that the torch can be used normally to trace around the circumference, as well as straight shields for plate or sheet work.

All shields are made from extruded alloy casing with heat resistant, low friction silicon skirts to fit either side of the weld.

Shields come with adjustable ring to hold the torch in place.

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