What must be done to successfully weld titanium?

To successfully weld titanium, it is crucial that the weld zone is shielded with an inert gas, such as argon. This shielding protects the weld area from contamination by oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements present in the atmosphere that can adversely affect the quality and integrity of the weld. Titanium is particularly sensitive to these contaminants, which can lead to issues like embrittlement and the formation of undesired phases in the material.

While preheating may assist in some welding processes or materials, it is not a necessity for titanium welding. Similarly, while a filler material may be used depending on the specific application or welding technique, it is not a requirement for all titanium welds, especially in certain situations like autogenous welds where no additional filler is introduced. Painting the welding area is unnecessary and may even be detrimental, as paint can introduce further contaminants or interfere with the welding process. Thus, shielding the welding area with an inert gas is the primary requirement for achieving successful and high-quality titanium welds.