TIG Welders (GTAW) — WS Series DC Inverter TIG Welding Machines
A TIG welder produces an electric arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece, with the weld area protected from atmospheric contamination by an inert shielding gas. The process is formally known as
The WS series is BrightWelding's line of DC inverter TIG welding machines, covering 200 A to 400 A across four models. All models in the range are dual-process units, capable of both TIG (GTAW) and stick (SMAW) operation. This page covers how the process behaves, what DC output suits, what the WS range offers, and what importers and distributors need to know about specification, certification and ordering.
What Is TIG/GTAW Welding?
The defining characteristic of GTAW is that the electrode is not consumed. The arc forms between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece, and the tungsten itself does not become part of the weld. [source: en.wikipedia.org] That is the fundamental difference between TIG and the consumable-electrode processes: stick and MIG both feed filler metal through the arc, whereas TIG separates the heat source from the filler.
The three components of the process
The tungsten electrode. A refractory metal that withstands arc temperatures without melting. It is sharpened to a point for DC work, which concentrates the arc and produces a narrow, precise bead.
The shielding gas. An inert gas — normally argon — flows through the torch and envelopes the arc, the molten pool and the hot tungsten. This prevents oxidation and atmospheric contamination of the weld area. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
The filler metal. Where filler is required, it is added by hand as a separate rod, or fed automatically. Filler metals are used in nearly all applications of GTAW; the major exception is the welding of thin materials, which can be joined by fusing the parent metal alone. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
Why the process matters to buyers
TIG produces a weld with no slag to remove and no spatter to clean up. On stainless steel and other materials where appearance and cleanliness matter — food equipment, pharmaceutical piping, architectural metalwork — that characteristic is frequently the deciding factor rather than deposition speed. The trade-off is that TIG is slower than the wire-feed processes, and it places a comparatively high demand on operator skill.
Dual-process capability
All WS series models also perform stick (SMAW) welding. In practice this means a fabricator can run TIG for precision work and switch to stick for heavier sections or site repair without a second machine — a useful characteristic for workshops where the same unit covers several types of work.
DC TIG: What It Welds and How to Match a Machine
DC (direct current) TIG
DC output produces a stable, concentrated arc and is the standard choice for steel, stainless steel, titanium and other ferrous and reactive metals. The electrode stays comparatively cool, which allows a small-diameter tungsten to carry meaningful current. Most general fabrication TIG work is DC work.
| Work the machine will do | Output required |
|---|---|
| Stainless steel, carbon steel, titanium | DC TIG |
| Thin sheet precision on steel only | DC TIG, with pulse |
Why TIG: Precision, Cleanliness and Limitations
Advantages
Weld appearance and cleanliness. No flux, no slag and minimal spatter. On visible work — architectural metalwork, food and beverage equipment, sanitary tubing — the finished bead often needs no post-weld cleaning.
Precise heat control. The operator controls amperage continuously, and with pulse control can modulate heat input during the weld. That precision is what makes TIG workable on thin material where other processes risk burn-through.
Material range. Steel, stainless steel, titanium and copper alloys are within the process's scope for DC output.
Single-sided access. TIG can produce full-penetration welds on pipe and tube from one side in many configurations, which matters where the reverse face is inaccessible.
Limitations
Speed. TIG deposits filler more slowly than MIG or submerged arc, and the process is usually the slowest of the common arc processes in production terms.
Operator skill. Both hands are occupied — one with the torch, one with the filler rod — while the operator also controls travel speed and arc length. Skill development takes longer than with wire-feed processes.
Fume and arc sensitivity. Like all gas-shielded processes, TIG is affected by draughts, which can disturb the shielding envelope. Outdoor and windy site conditions usually favour stick welding instead.
Cost per metre. The combination of slow deposition and skilled labour typically produces a higher cost per metre than MIG on equivalent work.
Where TIG fits in a mixed shop
TIG is commonly paired with MIG or stick rather than replacing them. A typical arrangement: stick or MIG for the bulk of structural work, TIG for the joints where appearance, cleanliness or thin-material precision governs acceptance, and for root passes on high-integrity piping.
WS Series Specifications at a Glance
| Model | Rated Current | Input Voltage | Rated Input Capacity | Process | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WS-200 | 160 A | 220 V / 1-phase | 4.5 kVA | TIG (GTAW) / Stick (SMAW) | Portable precision work, light fabrication |
| WS-250 | 170 A | 220/380 V, 1 or 3-phase | 7.2 kVA | TIG (GTAW) / Stick (SMAW) | General fabrication, stainless work |
| WS-315 | 250 A | 220/380 V, 3-phase | 9.5 kVA | TIG (GTAW) / Stick (SMAW) | Stainless production, dual pulse |
| WS-400 | 270 A | 380 V, 3-phase | 13.8 kVA | TIG (GTAW) / Stick (SMAW) | Heavy precision work, professional DC |
Shared characteristics: DC output across the range, IGBT inverter technology, pulse capability, and forced-air cooling with a water cooler available as an option on the higher-output models.
> Note on specifications. Parameters differ by model, and the figures above are intended for range-level comparison. Detailed parameter sheets for a specific model are available on request.
Model-by-Model Guide
WS-200 — portable TIG welding machine for precision work
The WS-200 delivers 200 A from single-phase 220 V input at a rated input capacity of 4.5 kVA. As a portable TIG welding machine it suits site precision work, thin-sheet fabrication, stainless steel fitting and maintenance applications where only single-phase power is available. For workshops whose TIG work is intermittent and largely on thin material, this model covers the requirement without the input-power demands of the larger units.
WS-250 — general fabrication and stainless work
The WS-250 moves to 170 A with a rated input capacity of 7.2 kVA, accepting both single-phase and three-phase supply depending on configuration. It targets general fabrication — stainless steel work, thin to medium sheet, and mixed shop duties where the machine serves both TIG and stick roles.
WS-315 — stainless production with dual pulse
At 250 A and 9.5 kVA, the WS-315 is specified for production work in stainless steel, with dual pulse capability. For buyers whose work calls for pulsed output, this is the model where the capability set is fully expressed short of the top of the range. Water cooling is offered as an option for extended high-current duty.
WS-400 — professional DC precision welding
The WS-400 delivers 270 A at 13.8 kVA on three-phase 380 V input. It is intended for professional DC precision welding at higher currents — thicker sections, heavy stainless fabrication and production environments where the machine operates for extended periods. Water cooler optional.
Improved control on out-of-position work. The momentary drop to background current lets the pool freeze slightly between pulses, which helps on vertical and overhead joints.
Bead appearance. Regular pulsing produces a consistent, evenly rippled bead, which is a common requirement on visible stainless and architectural work.
Tungsten Electrode Selection
The tungsten electrode is a consumable item in TIG, even though it is not consumed by the weld itself. Electrode type, diameter and tip preparation all affect arc stability and electrode life.
Common electrode types
Thoriated tungsten is a traditional choice, historically favoured for DC work on steel and stainless because of its stable arc and good current-carrying capacity.
Ceriated and lanthanated tungstens are alternative formulations. Two factors drive the preference for them over thoriated electrodes. First, thoriated tungsten contains thorium dioxide, which is mildly radioactive: grinding the electrode produces fine dust that can be inhaled, and manufacturers recommend substituting ceriated or lanthanated electrodes on that basis alone. [source: millerwelds.com] [source: tiptig.com] Second, in some applications thoriated electrodes are more likely to "spit" electrode particles across the welding arc into the weld. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
Diameter selection
Electrode diameter is matched to the current range. Higher current requires a larger diameter.
Tip preparation
Tip geometry affects arc shape. A sharpened point concentrates the arc and produces a narrow bead — the usual choice for DC work on steel.
Tungsten is a consumable supply item; the appropriate grade and diameter for a given job should be confirmed against the material and current range being used.
Torch and Cooling: Air-Cooled vs Water-Cooled
TIG torches are available in air-cooled and water-cooled configurations, and the choice affects how long the torch can be used continuously at a given current.
Air-cooled torches
Air-cooled torches rely on ambient air and the torch body's own thermal mass. They are lighter, need no coolant supply, and are convenient for intermittent work and lower currents. Their limitation is heat accumulation: at high currents the torch body becomes uncomfortable to hold and the consumable parts wear faster.
Water-cooled torches
Water-cooled torches circulate coolant through the torch body and cable, which carries heat away far more effectively. They are typically used for sustained high-current work, where an air-cooled torch would overheat.
The WS-315 and WS-400 models list water cooling as an option, which allows a shop that moves into higher-current production work to add cooling capacity without changing the power source.
Choosing between them
| Working pattern | Torch type typically specified |
|---|---|
| Intermittent work, thin material, lower currents | Air-cooled |
| Sustained high-current welding | Water-cooled |
| Site and field work with limited equipment | Air-cooled |
| Production stainless at high current | Water-cooled, with cooler unit |
Buyers specifying a water-cooled setup should account for the cooler unit as a separate item in the quotation.
Shielding Gas and Flow Rates
Gas selection
Argon is the most widely used shielding gas for TIG. It provides good arc stability and is the standard choice for DC work.
Helium and argon-helium mixtures are used where higher heat input is wanted. Argon-helium mixtures are extremely inert and can be used on non-ferrous materials; a helium concentration of 50–75% raises the required voltage and increases heat input. [source: en.wikipedia.org] The practical effect is deeper penetration at a given current, which can be useful on thicker sections — at the cost of higher gas consumption.
Flow rate
Flow rate must be sufficient to establish and maintain the shielding envelope around the arc and weld pool, but excessive flow causes turbulence that draws air into the shield and produces the opposite of the intended effect. The appropriate flow rate depends on torch size, cup size, current and whether the work is indoors or in a draught. Gas flow regulators are normally supplied as part of a complete TIG setup rather than with the power source alone.
Gas supply in export markets
Distributors should note that TIG sets are frequently quoted in two configurations: power source only, for customers who already have gas supply and torch sets, and complete packages including torch, regulator and accessories. Stating which configuration is required avoids ambiguity at quotation stage.
How to Choose a TIG Welding Machine
1. Which materials will the machine weld?
The WS range produces DC output throughout, which covers steel, stainless steel and titanium. Materials whose welding requires AC output fall outside the range's application envelope and are not served by these models.
2. What is the maximum thickness and current requirement?
Rated current sets the practical ceiling. As a general approach, list the thicknesses and joint types your work involves, then confirm the required current against the models available. A machine operated consistently near its rated maximum runs hot; allowing margin between the working current and the rating is a common practice for production environments.
3. Portable tig welding machine or fixed installation?
The WS-200 runs on single-phase 220 V and is the model specified where the machine moves between sites or where only single-phase supply is available. The larger models are three-phase and intended for shop installation. Weight, input supply and cooling requirements all follow from this decision.
4. Intermittent or continuous duty?
Sustained high-current welding calls for water cooling; intermittent work does not. If the machine's working life will include production runs at high current, specifying the water cooler option at purchase is generally more economical than retrofitting.
5. What else must the machine do?
All WS models perform stick welding as well as TIG, which is useful where a shop wants one machine to cover both processes. Buyers whose work also includes thicker structural welding may find a dedicated stick or MIG machine more economical for that share of the work — our Stick Welders and MIG/MAG Welders pages cover those ranges.
Specification checklist for a TIG welder machine
When comparing quotations for a TIG welder machine across suppliers, these are the fields that determine whether two units are genuinely comparable:
- Rated output current and current range — not the model name alone
- Output mode — DC
- Duty cycle and the current at which it is rated — a duty figure without its reference current is not comparable
- Input voltage and phase — single-phase, three-phase, or dual-input
- Rated input capacity (kVA) — determines the supply and generator requirement
- Pulse capability — and whether dual pulse is included
- Cooling — forced air as standard, with or without water cooler option
- Torch configuration — supplied as standard, and whether the quotation is power-source-only
- Certification — which certificate references the specific model
- Included accessories — regulator, torch, earth clamp, cables
Quotations that omit the reference current for duty cycle, or that quote a model number without its current range, are difficult to compare against alternatives. Supplying the full specification at enquiry stage avoids the ambiguity. A complete parameter sheet for each WS model is available on request.
Applications
Stainless steel fabrication
Stainless is the core TIG application in most shops: kitchen and food service equipment, process vessels, handrails and architectural metalwork. TIG's clean, slag-free weld and controllable heat input suit thin-gauge stainless where distortion is a concern. Our stainless steel welding page covers process selection for this material in more detail.
Food, beverage and pharmaceutical equipment
Sanitary applications demand welds that are clean, crevice-free and free of flux residue. TIG is frequently the specified process for hygienic pipework and vessel fabrication, often with internal purging to control the weld's underside. Our stainless steel and sanitary equipment solution page covers the equipment set used in this sector.
Precision sheet metal
Thin-gauge work in steel and stainless benefits from pulse control, which reduces heat input and distortion. Pulse TIG is commonly specified for instrument cases, enclosures and similar work.
Repair and maintenance
TIG's precision makes it useful for repair work on castings, tooling and thin-section components where a larger heat input would cause further damage. The WS-200 suits portable repair duties where single-phase supply is what is available.
Pipe and tube
Root passes on high-integrity pipework are frequently TIG welded, with the remainder completed by other processes. For higher-volume pipe work, automated orbital systems are used instead — see our Submerged Arc Welders and related pages for heavy pipe applications.
Certifications and Export Compliance
BrightWelding products carry CE certification across the product lines, with CSA certification available for North American markets. The company operates an ISO 9001 quality management system. [source: brightwelding.com]
Documentation accompanying each shipment typically includes a Certificate of Origin (Form E, Form F or general, depending on destination), a CE Declaration of Conformity, a commercial invoice and packing list in English, and the bill of lading or airway bill. Test reports and inspection certificates are supplied on request. [source: brightwelding.com]
For buyers verifying supplier claims, our Certifications page sets out the documentation available, and the Welding Machine Certifications guide explains the applicable standards including EN 60974-1 for arc welding equipment. Confirming that a certificate references the specific model being purchased is standard due diligence in any import transaction.
OEM and Private Label Options
The WS range is available with OEM and private-label customization for distributors and brand owners. [source: brightwelding.com]
The scope of customization typically covers:
- Body colour matched to the distributor's brand
- Control panel overlay and layout
- Logo and labelling on the machine and packaging
- Voltage configuration for the destination market
- Welding parameter presets suited to the target application set
Minimum order quantity starts at 20 units for mixed models, with trial orders accepted at as few as 5 units per model. Volume pricing applies at container quantities. The OEM Service page describes the process from artwork through first-article approval.
Ordering, Lead Time and Shipping
Order process. Orders begin with a specification: model, quantity, voltage configuration, whether a water cooler is included, and any OEM requirements. Quotations are issued against that specification.
Lead time. Standard production lead time runs 15 to 30 days depending on order size. Sea freight transit typically adds 15 to 35 days depending on destination; air freight is available for urgent orders. [source: brightwelding.com]
Payment terms. Standard first-order terms are a 30% deposit by T/T on order confirmation with the 70% balance before shipment. Letters of credit at sight and Alibaba Trade Assurance are accepted for eligible orders, and terms are negotiable for established customers. [source: brightwelding.com]
Packaging. Machines ship in export-grade corrugated cartons with high-density foam inserts, loaded onto fumigated ISPM 15-compliant wooden pallets that are stretch-wrapped and strapped for container stability. [source: brightwelding.com]
Technical support. Parameter guidance for specific materials and thicknesses can be provided against your application; our engineers can review requirements before order stage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between TIG and GTAW? None — they are the same process. GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) is the formal AWS designation; TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) is the term in general commercial use. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
Is the WS range suitable for aluminum? No. Welding aluminum reliably requires AC output for oxide cleaning during welding, and the WS range is DC output throughout. For aluminum work a machine with AC capability is required, which the WS range does not offer.
Do I need a water cooler? Not for intermittent work or work at lower currents. Water-cooled torches are typically specified for sustained high-current welding, where an air-cooled torch would overheat. The WS-315 and WS-400 accept a water cooler as an option.
What is pulse TIG used for? Pulsing alternates peak and background current, reducing average heat input for a given weld. It is used on thin material to control distortion, on out-of-position work, and to produce a consistent bead appearance.
Can a TIG welding machine also stick weld? All WS series models perform both TIG (GTAW) and stick (SMAW) welding.
What shielding gas does TIG use? Argon is the most widely used. Helium and argon-helium mixtures are used where higher heat input is wanted; a helium concentration of 50–75% raises the required voltage and increases heat input. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
Which tungsten electrode should I use? It depends on the material and current. Ceriated and lanthanated electrodes are frequently used. They are generally preferred over thoriated electrodes because thoriated tungsten's thorium dioxide is mildly radioactive and grinding it produces inhalable dust, [source: millerwelds.com] and because thoriated electrodes can be more likely to spit particles into the weld in some applications. [source: en.wikipedia.org]
What thickness can a TIG welder handle? Thickness capability follows from the machine's rated current and the material being welded, and varies by joint configuration. Confirm the required current against your specific thickness and material rather than relying on a general figure.
Can I run a TIG welder from a generator? Inverter machines are generally compatible with generator supply where the generator has adequate capacity. Generator sizing should be confirmed against the specific model's maximum input power. [needs verification: model-specific generator sizing for WS series]
What is the minimum order quantity? Standard MOQ is 20 units for mixed models, with trial orders accepted at as few as 5 units per model. [source: brightwelding.com]
How long is the warranty? All machines carry a one-year free warranty. After that period spare parts are supplied at cost, with local repair support through our dealer network in key markets. [source: brightwelding.com]
Request a Quotation
Tell us the models, quantities, voltage configuration and whether a water cooler is required, and we will return a quotation with lead time and shipping options. For selection support — matching a model to your materials, thicknesses and production pattern — our engineering team can review your requirements directly.
Request a Quote · Download specifications · View OEM options
Models in this series
- WS-200 200A Precision TIG/Stick Welder
- WS-250 250A Industrial TIG Welder with Pulse
- WS-315 315A Dual Pulse TIG Welder
- WS-400 400A Professional TIG Welding Machine
Each model page lists rated output, input requirements, duty cycle and the applications the machine is specified for.