Air movement as gentle as 5-10 mph can disrupt shielding gas protection and cause porosity, making physical wind barriers more effective than simply increasing gas flow rates. Proper wind protection combines enclosures, shields, and optimized torch techniques to maintain gas coverage.
Draft and Wind Protection Strategies
Understanding Wind Effects on Gas Coverage
- Boundary layer disruption. Wind strips away the protective gas layer before it can shield the weld pool.
- Turbulence creation. Even mild air currents create mixing that draws atmospheric contamination into the weld zone.
- Directional sensitivity. Cross-winds are more disruptive than head-on or following air movement.
- Material dependency. Aluminum and stainless are more sensitive to wind disruption than carbon steel.
Physical Protection Methods
- Welding screens/curtains. Portable barriers that block wind while allowing welder access.
- Temporary enclosures. Plastic sheeting or tarps create calm air pockets around the work.
- Gas lenses and trailing shields. Equipment modifications that extend gas coverage area.
- Work positioning. Orienting the work to use structural elements as natural wind blocks.
When to Use Each Protection Level
Mild draft (indoor air movement): Gas lens or slightly increased flow (15-18 L/min) usually sufficient.
Moderate wind (5-15 mph): Portable windscreens essential, avoid excessive flow rates that create turbulence.
Strong wind (>15 mph): Full enclosure or reschedule work—high flow rates become counterproductive.
Precision work: Always use wind protection regardless of conditions for critical applications.
Wind Resistant
CORGON® 18 + Gas Lens
Protected CoverageWhy gas lens improves wind resistance: The laminar flow attachment extends protective gas coverage and reduces sensitivity to cross-winds compared to standard nozzles.
Wind protection setup: Gas lens + 15 L/min + portable windscreen handles most outdoor conditions without gas waste from excessive flow.
💨 Environment Critical