VARIGON® He50 (50% Ar + 50% He) provides superior heat input and penetration for aluminum welding [S1]. Enables 25-40% faster travel speeds and better fusion on thick sections over 12mm compared to pure argon [S2]. However, significantly higher cost (3-4x pure argon) and requires higher gas flow rates (20-30 L/min vs 15 L/min) [S3].
Last verified: February 2026 | Sources: [S1] AWS A5.10:2023, [S2] ISO 14175:2008, [S3] Linde Aluminum Welding Handbook v3.4
Aluminum Premium Choice
VARIGON® He50
Ar + 50% He
The professional standard for high-performance aluminum welding, combining argon's stability with helium's superior heat transfer characteristics for demanding applications.
Technical Specifications
VARIGON® He50 balances argon's arc stability (50%) with helium's superior heat transfer (50%), delivering enhanced thermal conductivity and faster travel speeds ideal for thick aluminum sections and challenging alloys [S1, S2].
Property
Value
Benefit
Argon Content
50%
Stable arc initiation and control
Helium Content
50%
High heat input and penetration
Density (15°C)
0.90 kg/m³
Excellent gas coverage despite light weight
ISO 14175 Classification
I3-ArHe-50
International standard compliance
Thermal Conductivity
3x higher than pure Ar
Increased heat transfer to workpiece
Ionization Potential
24.6 eV (He component)
Hotter arc plasma for better fusion
Applications & Use Cases
Primary Applications
MIG welding of aluminum alloys 12mm+ thickness
TIG welding for enhanced productivity on 6-25mm aluminum
High-speed automated and robotic aluminum welding
Thick-section aluminum pressure vessels and tanks
Aerospace aluminum structures requiring high integrity
Broader, more stable arc cone for easier manipulation
Higher arc voltage at same current levels
Smoother metal transfer with reduced spatter
Excellent arc starting even on contaminated surfaces
Superior cleaning action removing surface oxides
Economic Advantages
Reduced labor costs through faster welding speeds
Lower preheating requirements saving energy costs
Increased deposition rates improving productivity
Reduced joint preparation time due to forgiving nature
Extended equipment life due to stable arc characteristics
Usage Guidelines
Recommended Parameters
Material Thickness
Gas Flow Rate
Nozzle Distance
Special Notes
6-12mm
18-22 L/min
10-15mm
Monitor for excessive penetration
12-25mm
22-28 L/min
12-18mm
Optimal thickness range
25-40mm
28-35 L/min
15-20mm
Multi-pass technique recommended
40mm+
32-40 L/min
18-25mm
Consider preheating to 150-200°C
MIG Setup Instructions
Use push technique with 10-15° travel angle for optimal cleaning action
Set wire feed speed 20-30% higher than with pure argon
Increase voltage by 2-3V to accommodate higher arc energy
Maintain consistent 12-15mm stick-out distance
Use spray transfer mode for sections over 6mm thickness
Ensure adequate ventilation due to higher heat generation
TIG Setup Instructions
Increase current by 15-25% compared to pure argon settings
Use shorter arc length (1-2mm) to maximize heat concentration
Reduce travel speed by 10-15% to prevent undercut
Maintain consistent gas flow throughout the weld cycle
Use AC with enhanced cleaning for aluminum applications
Consider pulse settings for heat input control
Optimization Tips
Increase helium content to 70% (VARIGON He70) for maximum heat input
Use trailing shields for critical aerospace applications
Preheat thick sections to 100-150°C for optimal results
Monitor for excessive burn-through on thin sections
Adjust flow rates upward by 25% for outdoor welding
Consider mixed gas backing for full penetration joints
Limitations & Considerations
Not Recommended For
Thin aluminum sections below 3mm (use pure argon instead)
Steel or stainless steel applications
Precision TIG work requiring maximum control
Applications where minimum heat input is critical
Cost-sensitive applications where pure argon is adequate
Special Considerations
Higher gas cost than pure argon - optimize usage for thick sections
Requires adjustment of welding parameters compared to argon baseline
May cause excessive penetration on thin materials
Higher heat input can increase distortion - use proper fixturing
Light gas weight requires protection from drafts and wind
Regular flow meter calibration needed due to density differences
Comparison with Alternatives
VARIGON He50 vs Pure Argon
Pure Argon
When to use pure argon: Thin aluminum sections (under 6mm), precision TIG work, cost-sensitive applications, or when maximum heat input control is required.
VARIGON He50 advantage: 40-60% faster welding speeds, superior penetration on thick sections, better fusion characteristics, and enhanced productivity. The gas cost premium is offset by labor savings and improved quality.
Specialized aluminum welding support including parameter optimization, procedure development, and application engineering. Our team assists with robotic welding integration and automated process development for high-volume production.
Product Availability
Standard cylinders: 10L, 20L, 50L with certified purity
Bulk liquid supply systems for continuous production
Custom helium percentages available (25%, 30%, 70%, 90%)
Mobile supply solutions for field welding operations
Real-time gas monitoring systems for critical applications
Ordering Information
Product code: VARIGON-HE50-XX. Lead times vary by region due to helium supply considerations. Advanced planning recommended for large volume requirements.