Life made easy for Welders, Left or Right Handed

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are designed for high quality gas coverage of titanium, stainless steels and other reactive alloys during welding to prevent oxidation.

Designed to fit the industry's most common welding torches, our NEW DESIGN Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® have a new unique torch attachment, which means the welder can easily change different shield sizes without having to change the welding torch and also allows for right or left hand use. See the video showing the quick attachment of the NEW torch holder. Life has never been easier for Welders to achieve bright, clean, high quality welds with ease of use.   

They will fit any make of TIG (GTAW) or Plasma (PAW) welding torch for manual or automatic welding, on flat sheet or plate and the outsides or insides of tubes or pipes.

The addition of a low cost Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® provides better gas coverage to the heat affected zone (HAZ), preventing oxidation and allowing for faster welding.

With our name and logo stamped onto every new Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®, you can be sure the Shield you are using is a HFT design, we guarantee quality and 100% craftsmanship.

HFT® owns the Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® copyright and full Intellectual Property rights for more than 45 years.

By using an Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® welds will be left bright and shiny and eliminate discolouration and oxidation.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® will reduce gas consumption, save re-work and eliminate wasted material costs due to oxidation.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® can be used for welding stainless steels, duplexes as well as titanium and any other weldable metal where discolouration or oxidation needs to be eliminated.

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® 

Click here to send us a message

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Need Superior Welds?

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® allow the user to weld faster, save money and produce bright, shiny welds.

The Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® is connected to the argon gas supply, diffusing gas evenly without turbulence through the multi layers of stainless steel mesh built into the body of the shield. At each side, replaceable silicone rubber side shields provide a barrier to prevent the argon escaping sideways and remaining over the weld metal. As the welding torch is moved forward, the weld remains under an argon gas shield until the welded metal has cooled below its oxidation temperature.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are reusable, with a temperature resistance of up to 230ºC. They prevent re-work, eliminate the need for an expensive purge chamber and allow for faster welding.

Suitable for welding titanium, zirconium, nickel, and cobalt alloys, stainless and duplex steels and other reactive metals.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® save re-work, reduce gas usage and save wasted material costs by avoiding rejected welds due to oxidation.

Flat models for sheet or plate work are available as well as profiled models for the welding of both internal and external pipes, vessels and tanks.

By using Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®, welds will be left bright and shiny without discolouration and oxidation even when welding at faster speeds.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are kept in stock for most popular sizes of pipes and vessels.

There are many other brands similar to our Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® on the market today, make sure your Shield is stamped with the HFT® logo.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Bright, Clean, High Quality Welds!

Along with the new sleek design, our Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® have a NEW unique torch holder, which means the welder can interchange different shield sizes without having to change the welding torch. Welders can also switch between right and left hand use.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are designed for use with any brand of TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW) or Plasma (PAW) manual or machine mounted welding torches.

These Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® provide high quality gas coverage when welding the following materials:

• Titanium, zirconium and cobalt alloys
• Duplex steels
• Stainless steels
• Other reactive metals while welding

While welding, Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® will:

• Reduce gas consumption
• Save re-work
• Eliminate wasted material costs and rejected welds due to oxidation

Each profiled Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® is manufactured to suit a specific diameter of pipe, tube, vessel or tank.

They can be configured for either external or internal welding.

The flat Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® for plate, sheet and rectangular tanks and fabrications are available in:

• Small lightweight versions for manual welding torches.
• Larger, slightly heavier versions, for attaching to automatic/mechanised welding torches.

Both manual and machine mounted torches permit faster welding while maintaining a perfect gas shield.

With our name and logo stamped onto every new Argweld Weld Trailing Shield®, you can be sure the Shield you are using is a HFT® design, we guarantee quality and 100% craftsmanship. They are built to last.

Each Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® produces perfect gas coverage, smooth gas movement and no leaking with every model carefully and individually tested to ensure quality performance every time. Made in the UK to European Standards and Quality Control Procedures.


Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Technical Data and Specification

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are available in 'flat format' for sheet metal welding or in curved format for welding circular items such as tubes, pipes and vessels.

For manual welding, there is one 'flat format' version.

The 'curved format' versions are for all radii of tubes pipes and vessels up to 2000 mm (80") diameter.

Curved versions are radiussed for welding on the outside of tubes, pipes and vessels and for welding on the inside of large diameter tubes pipes and vessels.

For automatic welding systems, where the welding torch is being carried by a mechanism, the Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® can be longer and wider to cater for the faster welding speeds of an automatic system. These are made to specification (made to order).

Non-stock curved versions are also manufactured to specification (made to order) to suit the appropriate radius and shape for inside welding.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are suitable for use on all brands of TIG/GTAW, MIG/GMAW** and Plasma/PAW manual or automatic welding torches.

For manual welding, the welder finds that with this lightweight and low cost tool, there is no difficulty in dragging it along the surface being welded. One further benefit is that it carries the welding torch at 90º to the weld.

Each Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® now features a new unique clip design, which means welders can choose between right and left hand use and can easily change different shield sizes without having to change the welding torch.

Separate leak tight gas hose connections are provided with the Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®, single ones for smaller sizes and double or triple ones for larger sizes. (See individual size specification)

The insides of the Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are manufactured with several layers of mesh with different hole sizes so that the welding shield gas is dispersed widely, evenly and slowly over the surface being welded, to avoid turbulence and the creation of low pressure areas that would otherwise allow oxygen to enter from the outside.

Consumable side wall seals manufactured from flexible silicone rubber are fitted to each Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® and can easily be replaced when burnt or damaged.

Silicone rubber is resistant to temperatures up to 200ºC (392ºF). However, it will burn and harden when welding slowly at high currents, so the side wall seals must be regarded as consumable.

The replacement seals can be purchased cut to size for each Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®, or the replacement material can be purchased as continuous strip, at lower cost, for users to cut their own side wall seals to length when required.

** Some high current MIG/GMAW welding applications might be too hot for practical use of the Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®.

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Argweld® Weld Trailing Shield®

See what our Users have to say....

"They are perfect. We have done 20+ welds and they are great. Thanks"

Justin King

"I have purchased a HFT Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® to suit Ø2” tube and can confirm the product has worked really well. For this specific application we needed to hand TIG weld a Titanium pipe assembly without the risk of any oxygen ingress. This shield design gives us the perfect form to ensure the weld is produced in full compliance with our customers’ requirements. The quality & build of the shield is also of a high quality."

Steve Eggleton

Please contact us by email for actual user names and user lists which can be obtained separately.


Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Frequently Asked Questions

1.0 What are the benefits of using an Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®?

There are several reasons, some of which are:

A. The chance of a weld defect is dramatically reduced due to the wide gas coverage held over the weld for a longer period during welding, while the heated metal is cooling below the oxidation temperature.

B. Welds are finished in a bright and shiny condition, minimising or eliminating post weld grinding and cleaning.

C. The heat affected zones of a weld are left clean when using an Argweld® Weld Trailing Shields® because of the extra wide gas coverage.

D. Welders can weld faster because of the extra time that the weld remains covered with inert gas when using an Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®.

E. Significant reduction of manufacturing costs due to the reduction of post weld cleaning and the reduction of defects when using an Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®.

2.0 Can I use Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® for stainless steel as well as titanium and zirconium?

Yes, Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are extremely valuable for all stainless steel, duplex steel and other alloy steel as well as titanium, zirconium and all of the nickel and cobalt alloys.

3.0 Can I buy an Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® which is longer or wider?

Yes. Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are designed for two methods of use:

A. For manual welding where they are light in weight and easy to manipulate by the manual welder when he has an Argweld Weld Trailing Shield® attached to his welding torch.

B. For automatic welding machines.

For automatic welding machines, where weight and size is less of a concern, Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are available in longer and wider dimensions to allow for much faster welding speeds and much hotter welds where greater gas coverage is necessary for obtaining clean defect free welds.

4.0 Can Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® be used on any welding torch?

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are designed and delivered with a universal worm drive circular clip that will open and close around any shield gas nozzle on any TIG (GTAW), MIG (GMAW) or Plasma (PAW) manual or machine torch.

5.0 Can I weld flat sheet and plate with Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®?

Yes, one of the the Argweld® products is a flat Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® which is available as an accessory for manual welding torches and another flat version for machine mounted welding torches.

6.0 Can I weld on the outside of pipes and vessels with Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®?

Yes, Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® are kept in stock for most popular sizes of pipes and vessels. Simply tell us the diameter of your pipe or vessel and we will provide an exact match.

7.0 Can I weld on the inside of pipes and vessels with Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®?

Yes, for those people making welds on the insides of pipes and vessels we manufacture the Argweld®Weld Trailing Shields® with an internal radius to suit the exact diameter of the weld being made.

8.0 What are the side shield gaskets made of and what temperature will they withstand?

The side shield gaskets are made of silicon rubber which is temperature resistant up to 200˚C (392˚F). These are low cost, consumable items and once burnt, can be replaced.

9. Are Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® for right or left hand use?

Each Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® has a new unique torch attachment, which means not only can the welder easily change different shield sizes without having to change the welding torch, the unique clip design means the Shields can allow for both right and lend hand use.

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Shipping Information, Weights and Dimensions

Customs Tariff:

European Customs Tariff: 8205 5980
International Customs Tariff: 8205 5980 00
United States Customs Tariff: 8515 90 2000
Canada Customs Tariff: 8515 90 2000

Product Codes and Sizes:

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® from 1" through to 8" (excluding 7") are available for immediate delivery.

Large quantities are manufactured in batches and are usually available from stock at all times.

Specify sizes (") when ordering.

Argweld®Weld Trailing Shields® in sizes above 8" (including 7") will be made to order and are subject to a 5 to 10 working day delivery.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Spares and Accessories

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Items available as 'Downloads'

Leaflets and general sales material are available to everyone visiting our website.

Restricted access items are shown at the end of this Download section.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Tape A4 Leaflet

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Flyer

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Tape FAQ

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Features and Benefits F&B

Argweld Purging Accessories Flyer

Argweld Purging Accessories Promotional Poster

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®

Special Note: The items below are restricted and only available in our Secure Login section.  This is mainly for the protection of our Exclusive Distributor network.

Should you wish to receive an item mentioned below which is not active as a 'download' link on this page, please contact us or your nearest Distributor.

Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® User Instructions Technical Manual
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® User List Customer Reference
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Automatic Size Guide
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Technical Notes
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Diagram Ceramic Clamp
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Gasket Sizes
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Technical Data Sheet TDS Manual verses Automatic
Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® Price List

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® 

Copyright © Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® 

Certificate of Registration - all rights reserved Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® was established in 1975 and is now in its 45th year of existence at the time of writing.

ALL Copyright and Intellectual Property Rights are the sole property of Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® for Argweld Weld Trailing Shields® since 1975.  

Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® coined the phrase and developed the name Weld Trailing Shields. We own full Copyright © protection and ownership, including and not limited to, the phrase of terms related to it and as such is registered with the Intellectual Property Office.

Along with all of our other Registered Trademarks, Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® created the name “Weld Trailing Shields” for its products that directly attach to welding torches to prevent air from coming into contact with the molten weld pool until after it has solidified.  An example of our renewal notice is shown below at the Certificate of Registration dated 2013.

Accordingly HFT holds Registration Certificates from the UK, EU and USA authorities for the terms 'Argweld®' and 'Argweld Weld Trailing Shields®' and ALL Copyright © belongs to Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®.

In the event that any company provides you with, or attempts to provide you with a product for attaching to a welding torch to protect a molten weld pool from being exposed to air to prevent oxidation and discolouration, please check that it carries the HFT® authentic original branding on the product as well as the packaging.

If the product has not been supplied by HFT directly or one of our ‘Authorised Distributors’, as found on our website, please report such an incident to us, so that we may take the appropriate legal action.

Copyright © Argweld® Weld Trailing Shields®

Ergonomic, Flexible, Clear and Custom Made Specials!

The Argweld® range of Flexible Welding Enclosures® has been designed for applications where a rigid chamber may not be economically viable or where space may be at a premium, they are low cost, suitable for welding titanium, zirconium, other reactive metals and for WAAM Additive Manufacturing.

Standard models and Custom Made Specials are designed and manufactured to suit all applications.

Typical applications include the occasional and production welding of titanium and nickel alloy components for the aerospace, medical and racing car industries and for the welding of stainless steel components to eliminate the expensive cleaning of discolouration.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Custom Made Argweld Flexible Welding Enclosures

Highly successful Custom Made Special Flexible Welding Enclosures® are manufactured to suit all applications.  As you can see, there is no job too small....!

We design and manufacture any shape and any size of Enclosure for your requirements.

Special Custom Made Enclosures are typically produced for the following industries:

• Petrochemical
• Nuclear
• Sports Vehicle
• Aerospace
• Pipeline
• Medical
• Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)
• Electronics
• Chemical Industry

Our Special Enclosures have helped the building of critical components with the Additive Manufacturing process (WAAM), where complete robot systems have been placed inside.

We have manufactured a Custom Made 60” Enclosure for the suspension, bulkheads and subframe of the Ti22 Racecar to be welded inside.

A large production Enclosure has previously been made for manufacturing sports vehicle chassis with many joints welded in the same purging cycle.

As example, we have designed and manufactured Custom Made Special Enclosures for:

• British Airways,
• Cranfield University
• Rolls Royce..... to name just a few.

Additional options include:

• Extra pairs of glove ports.
• Special lock for the purging port to maintain argon purge in the Enclosure.
• Different length zips available subject to wish and application.
• Alternative posting ports and antechambers can be added.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Ultra Low Cost Welding Chambers

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® provide a very fast purging time down to a few parts per million (ppm) of oxygen.

These ultra low cost welding chambers are ideal for titanium and zirconium welding, other reactive metals and for WAAM Additive Manufacturing.  

Ideal for small production quantities of items that need total gas coverage, but where the cost of a rigid chamber box or similar would be financially impractical.

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for all shapes and sizes and standard sizes are available for immediate delivery.

The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® have been designed and manufactured by HFT® for applications where:

• Rigid chamber may not be economically viable.
• Space may be at a premium.
• Ease of welding is a consideration.

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are ideally suitable for the joining of titanium alloy parts and components manufactured from other reactive metals, even for welding titanium parts on bicycles, motor bikes, other sports gear and where small batches of small parts are required.

Wire plus Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)

Additive Manufacturing itself is great for Flexible Welding Enclosures® use where parts can be manufactured by just welding thin layers of powder or liquid metal drops to each other to build ready made components, where frequently the components were made out of solid, with lots of machining and loss of material that is wasted machining it away.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Round, Rectangular and Custom Made Specials

The flexibility of the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® make it considerably easier to weld and bring operator comfort and ease of use whereas rigid plastic or metal chambers can be very uncomfortable to work with. 

The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® provide high quality at very low cost.

The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® make purging down to a few parts per million very easy and fast, resulting in bright, shiny, oxide-free welds.

The possibility to have the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® off the floor frees up valuable floor space.

Special Note:  We do not supply the internal metal base plate, the internal purge line or the external stand to support the chambers.

Standard round (circular) Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for immediate delivery.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Technical Data and Specification

Each Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® contains an argon entry port and an exhaust valve to vent displaced gas to atmosphere. Two pairs of sleeves and gloves are fitted to each enclosure and the glove ports are fitted with drawstrings to prevent the gloves and sleeves from blowing out and helping to reduce the risk of damage by passing objects or people.

The vertical sides of the enclosure are made from translucent plastic, while the top is constructed from an optically clear plastic to provide total visibility.

The plastic used for Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® is resistant against ultraviolet hardening and damage.

A standard entry zip is provided together with a service panel having feed-throughs for a welding torch, earth cable, electrical wires for manipulators, etc. and water cooling pipes should they be needed.

An additional feed-through is provided for a welding torch on the opposite side of the service panel, so that both left handed and right handed welders can work without having a long weld torch cable doubled up in front of them.

Each enclosure is provided with a repair kit to allow on site repairs in the event of accidental damage.

A standard posting port with purge gas hose entry port and vent is fitted to each model to allow small objects to be transferred into the enclosure without disturbing the quality of the purge environment. The standard port comprises a 600 mm long sleeve of 230 mm width when flat.

Standard size range as follows:

• 900 mm (36") Circular diameter Enclosures
• 1200 mm (48") Circular diameter Enclosures
• 1500 mm (60") Circular diameter Enclosures
• 1800 mm (72") Circular diameter Enclosures

Standard zip lengths are as follows:

• Zip 1430 mm long on the 900 mm diameter Enclosures
• Zip 1900 mm long on the 1200 mm diameter Enclosures
• Zip 2390 mm long on the 1500 mm diameter Enclosures
• Zip 2900 mm long on the 1800 mm diameter Enclosures

Only parts which can go through these openings can be put into the standard Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.

Rectangular Enclosures:

• Large Posting Ports (ante chambers)
• Lengths of 900, 1200, 1500 and 1800 mm
• 3 sets of glove ports with sleeves and gloves

These and other specials available on request.

Additional Options:

• Extra pairs of glove ports
• Special lock for the purging port to maintain purge argon in the chamber
• Other sizes and shapes are available as non-standard items on special request

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Argweld® Flexible Weld Purging Enclosures®

See what our Users have to say....

"We use our Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosure® along with the PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitor® every day for our titanium welding. They are built to last!"

Mark Cooper Fabrication Manager Shapes Aerospace International

"We bought a welding enclosure from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®: An excellent product - made to high standard easy to use. They were custom made for our R&D purposes. HFT®'s advice and support for the enclosures have been exceptional all throughout the specification, purchase and installation process. Very few of our suppliers are as helpful and competent as Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT®." Thank you guys."

Tamas Nagy Research Assistant Welding Engineering and Laser Processing Centre Cranfield University

"I have used the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures™ to weld Titanium in France and I have to say it is great! "

Ricardo Jose Almeida Lourenco Machado Welding Supervisor na Tuvmetalica Portugal

Please contact us by email for actual user names and user lists which can be obtained separately.

Click here to send us a message

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Frequently Asked Questions

1.0 Do these plastic Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® really work and are they good enough for welding titanium?

Yes, there are hundreds in successful use all over the world. A customer list is available.

One of the big users is Rolls-Royce who have been using them for many years.

They and some other customers have purchased multiples.

2.0 What about all the sparks, don't they melt the plastic?

It is not usual for TIG welding to produce sparks.

3.0 Won't the hot metal melt the plastic?

Yes, it would if the hot metal touches the plastic. One of the reasons for putting the weldment in an enclosure is to prevent the oxygen contacting the weld when hot, so the part must not be removed from the enclosure until it is cold.

When a hot part has to be moved to weld another component, there will be a metal skirt be placed around the periphery of the baseplate inside the enclosure.

4.0 Can Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® supply the internal baseplate and purge lines?

Our concept is to ship the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® internationally for the user to manufacture their own metalwork to suit. Most people welding titanium or other reactive metals have their own manufacturing capabilities and it is more appropriate for them to fabricate the components according to the comprehensive instructions provided.

5.0 Is it possible to have a demonstration of an Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?

Certainly. Customers may visit our facility, an enclosure can be seen and inspected and checked for results.

As mentioned, we have many users who can confirm their satisfaction with their enclosure and its concept.

6.0 Is it possible to use a vacuum pump to evacuate the enclosure quickly to purge it faster?

Because Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® can be collapsed around the parts to be welded, purge volume is so small that the purging time is minimised.

7.0 What is the largest component I can put into the Enclosures?

The standard zip lengths are:

900 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1430 mm long
1200 mm diameter Round Enclosure 1900 mm long
1500 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2390 mm long
1800 mm diameter Round Enclosure 2900 mm long

Which means only parts which can go through these openings can be put into the standard Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosure.

There are however longer zips available and different designs, all of which come under the heading of 'Specials'.

8.0 The Enclosure deflates when I turn the gas off.

All purging applications require a continual flow of inert gas until the welding and requirement for purging is complete.

The Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are recommended to be purged with a flow rate between 2 to 5 litres per minute. Continuous purging will remove traces of oxygen and hydrogen generated during welding.

9.0 Should gas be escaping from the valve?

The black exhaust valve on top of the enclosure is designed to vent gases from inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®. Gas will escape through the valve as the enclosure inflates and when operators put arms inside sleeves.

The valve can exhaust flow rates of 1 to 10 LPM.

There are two membranes inside the valve. One can be removed by the operator if desired. Our intention is that the valve will only exhaust low flow rates, to minimise gas consumption and eliminate turbulence.

10.0 The enclosure bulges when I inflate it?

This is a symptom of over-inflation and too high a flow rate. It is recommended to purge at between 2 to 5 litres per minute. When higher purge rates are desired, although this is not encouraged, we suggest the removal of one of the membranes from inside the valve.

11.0 How can I sample the level of oxygen inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?

One of our Argweld® Weld Purge Monitors®   will be required, depending on the oxygen level to be measured. Most users use one of the Family Range of PurgEye® Weld Purge Monitors® inside the enclosure with the sensor exposed to show the oxygen level reducing.

A gas sampling port at the top of the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, next to the valve is available to connect an external Weld Purge Monitor®, such as our Argweld ® PurgEye® 500.

12.0 How do I get cables inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®?

Cables can be passed through the glands provided in the service panel. This panel has a series of tubular glands with a membrane which seals around the cables and hoses.

Two separate glands which appear like 'pockets' are intended for the welding torch cable. One is situated for the left-handed welder and the other for a right-handed welder. These pockets are 50 mm in diameter.

To seal the weld torch hoses inside these pockets, we provide accessory kits.

13.0 How can I get small parts inside the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® once it is inflated?

An entry/exit sleeve is fitted as standard to all Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.

This allows parts to be passed into an enclosure without opening the zip.

The sleeve is sealed on despatch and can be cut if required and used as a purge lock with a two-way clamp, to avoid contaminating the inside of the enclosure.

Once the seal is cut, the operator will need a tool to clamp the sleeve opening.

The two way clamp allows the sleeve to be purged independently. There is a gland and a gas relief valve in the sleeve for this purpose.

The component is passed from the sleeve to the main enclosure once the gas environment inside the sleeve is adequately purged.

14.0 How can I repair a small puncture or tear?

A repair kit containing PVC material and some adhesive is included with the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®.

15.0 Before I weld, the Argweld® Weld Purge Monitor® shows a low value but upon welding, the weld looks oxidised?

Our range of Argweld® PurgeEye® instruments will detect traces of oxygen when purging with an inert gas.

However, if dirt, moisture or unsuitable materials are placed in the Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®, outgassing of oxygen and water vapour may occur as the temperature rises.

By striking an arc on a piece of scrap titanium when the purge level is ready, prior to welding, the scrap piece will absorb or getter residual traces of oxygen and hydrogen.

All parts must be cleaned, degreased, washed and dried prior to placing in the enclosure.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Shipping Information, Weights and Dimensions

Customs Tariff:

European Customs Tariff: 3926 9092
International Customs Tariff: 3926 9092 10
United States Customs Tariff: 8468 90 1000
Canada Customs Tariff: 8468 90 1000

Product Codes and Sizes:

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® are available for immediate delivery for standard round (circular) sizes. Large quantities are manufactured in batches and are usually available from stock at all times. 

Rectangular sizes are made to order as well as any special size requirements.

Zip lengths are also shown as standard lengths and any special chambers can be made with the zip size of your choice.

Available accessories are also shown below.

Each enclosure is provided with a repair kit to allow on site repairs in the event of accidental damage.

Round Shaped (Circular)

All dimensions are based on the imperial system. Sizes shown in mm are only mathematic conversions of the imperial dimensions and are not intended to represent metric standards.

Rectangular Shaped

Accessories, Spares and Parts

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Items available as 'Downloads'

Leaflets and general sales material are available to everyone visiting our website.

Restricted access items are shown at the end of this Download section.

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® A4 Leaflet

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Technical 8 Pages Leaflet

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Advantages Flyer

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® FAQ

Argweld® Purging Accessories Flyer

Argweld® Purging Accessories Promotional Poster

Special Note: The items below are restricted and only available in our Secure Login section.  This is mainly for the protection of our Exclusive Distributor network.
Should you wish to receive an item mentioned below which is not active as a 'download' link on this page, please contact us or your nearest Distributor.

Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User Instructions Technical Manual
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User Instructions Technical Manual Diagram Purge Lock
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures®User Instructions Technical Manual for Purge Lock
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® User List Customer Reference
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS Certificate
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Technical Notes
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Price List
Argweld® Flexible Welding Enclosures® Price List Spares

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Improve Weld Root Profiles!

Extending the HFT® range of products, we manufacture Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®, specifically for supporting weld roots and to provide very even weld root profiles.

The Weld Backing Tape® comprises a 75 mm wide aluminium adhesive tape that has a 25 mm wide fibre glass band in the centre onto which the weld can be cast.

Welding speeds can be dramatically increased with the help of Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®.  The resulting weld is neat, clean and requires minimal post weld attention.

HFT®’s Glass Fibre Weld Backing Tape® has no true melting point, unlike Ceramic Fibre, which has a melting point of 1,800ºC, causing concern when temperatures during TIG welding can reach up to 6,000ºC.

Typically for the welding of thin wall stainless steel sheet and vessels from one side only, the backing tape can be attached to the backside of the weld, to support the weld pool, keep the argon from the weld torch surrounding the weld pool and eliminate the need to back purge, while giving a consistent high quality underbead profile.

For purging large vessels, the tremendous savings of purge gas and waiting time pays for the use of the backing tape many times over.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Support Weld Roots and Save Costs

Using Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® will significantly reduce linear and circumferential seam welding costs. 

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® allows faster welding speeds and greater production rates while producing smooth profile and flat, clean weld underbeads.

With Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®, it is now possible to make welds from one side only, where double sided welding used to be applied. This eliminates the need for expensive weld preparations and the need for back gouging.

Because weld roots are flat and clean when using Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®, post weld dressing and cleaning costs are dramatically reduced.

The cost of Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® is paid for on each weld as well as making additional cost savings through increased welding speed and reduced weld cleaning.

Where large volumes are filled with expensive inert gas to prevent oxidised welds, the use of Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® allows welders to complete the work quickly without the cost of inert gas and lengthy waiting times for purging.

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® and Argweld Weld Purge Tape® are available for immediate delivery.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Welding Currents up to 600 Amps

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® is a glass fibre weld backing system for supporting the weld pool, casting a smooth, flat weld bead free of icicles or drop through. This protects the weld root from the formation of heavy oxidation.

Attaching the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® to the backside of a weld, allows the welding of joints from one side only, eliminating the need for double sided welding.

By using the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®, no back gouging or back grinding process will be required.

The Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® will trap the argon or other shield gas from the weld torch to hold the gas surrounding the weldpool, effectively providing a back purge facility and keeping the weld free from heavy oxidation.

In the case of vessels, tanks, containers etc, Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® eliminates the need to back purge the whole vessel, while giving a consistent high quality underbead profile.

Using Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®, it is possible to weld with MIG, (GMAW), MMA (GMAW), TIG (GTAW) or plasma (PAW) processes for the joining of all metals including stainless, duplex, chrome and nickel steels.

With Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® welds can be made faster, thereby increasing production rate and reducing manufacturing costs.

The support of the molten weld pool allows excellent side wall fusion thus helping to eliminate weld defects.

Post-weld cleaning and grinding labour costs are dramatically reduced because oxidation is prevented by the enclosure of the weld during its heating and cooling phases.

In cases of welding large diameter pipes or vessels, there will be a massive purge gas savings by using backing tape instead filling complete pipes or vessels.

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® can be used for horizontal or vertical welding and results are so successful that there is rarely need for re-welding or re-work.

Using Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® will not change the chemistry or metallurgy of the weld.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Typical Uses and Applications

The Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® can be used for welding sheet, plate, pipes, vessels, tanks, silos, heat exchangers, cryogenic, pressure and vacuum vessels and hundreds of other applications made from metals such as:

• Carbon steels

• Stainless steels

• Duplex steels

• Chrome steels

• Copper nickel

• Cast iron

• Nickel and cobalt alloys

Industries using Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® include large pipework, sheet and plate fabricators as well as shipbuilding, ship repair, heating, cooling, HVAC, agricultural machinery, food, dairy, breweries pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and many others.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Technical Data and Specification

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® consists of a high temperature heat resistant adhesive aluminium backing foil of 76 mm (3") wide with a heat resistant band of woven glass fibre cloth 25 mm (1") wide in the centre.

The carrier tape is coated on one side with non-contaminating, non-toxic adhesive that bonds the glass fibre backing strip firmly to the metal joint to be welded.

The glass fibre cloth has a weight of 1000 grams per square metre.

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® is available in three grades:

Low Current Grade 80 amps (ABT0004)



• 1.5 mm (1/16") thick fibre glass band.

• Typically for welding up to 80 amps with TIG/GTAW.

• Will weld materials up to 1.6 mm (1/16") thick.

• Tungsten electrode diameter of 1.6 mm (1/16").

• Welding speed of 600 mm/min (24"/min).

• Supplied in rolls of 25 metres (80") length.

Medium Current Grade 160 amps (ABT0005)



• 2.5 mm (1/10") thick fibre glass band.

• Typically for welding up to 160 amps with TIG/GTAW.

• Will weld materials up to 6 mm (1/4") thick.

• Tungsten Electrode diameter of 1.6 or 2.4 mm (1/16th or 3/32").

• Welding speed of 500 mm/min (20"/min).

• Supplied in rolls of 12.5 metres (40") length.

High Current Grade 240 amps (ABT0006)


• 3 mm (1/8") thick fibre glass band.

• Typically for welding up to 240 amps with TIG/GTAW.

• Will weld materials up to 10 mm (1/2") thick.

• Tungsten Electrode diameter of 2.4 mm or 3.2 mm (3/32" or 1/8").

• Welding speed of 450 mm/min (18"/min).

• Supplied in rolls of 12.5 metres (40") length.

SUPER Heavy Amperage 600 amps (ABT0007)

• Comprising 76 mm (3") adhesive heat resistant aluminium tape with 25 mm (1") wide (thick weave) glass fibre tape in the centre.

• Will weld materials up to 10 mm (1/2") thick.

• Roll length is 12.5 metres (40 ft).

• Nett Weight 1.2 kgs.

• Gross weight 1.4 kgs and Volumetric weight 1.4 kgs

Argweld® Aluminium Weld Purge Tape®



If lengths need to be joined, rolls of compatible Argweld® Aluminium Weld Purge Tape® with integral non-contaminating adhesive are available from Huntingdon Fusion Techniques HFT® or from your nearest Distributor.

Argweld® Aluminium Weld Purge Tape® consists of a high temperature heat resistant adhesive aluminium backing foil of 51 mm (2") wide without a heat resistant band of woven glass fibre cloth in the centre.

Supplied in rolls of 45 metres length.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Frequently Asked Questions

1.0 Does the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® support the weld?

Yes, Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® will support the weld pool for a single-sided weld, as long as the current constraints for the tape are followed.

2.0 What effect will the adhesive have on the weld?

The adhesive will not contaminate the weld. It is easily removed from the metal at the side of the weld after the weld has had a chance to cool.

3.0 What amperage can the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® withstand?

The Light Duty Grade is recommended for welding currents up to 80 Amps.

The Medium Duty Grade is suitable for welding currents up to 160 Amps.

The Heavy Duty Grade is for welding currents up to 240 Amps.

The Super Heavy Grade is suitable for welding up to 600 Amps.

4.0 Can Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® be reused?

After the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® has been used one time, the properties of the glass fibre will be degraded to prevent further use and in addition, the adhesive may not work twice.

5.0 What is the length of a roll of Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®?

The light duty material has 25 metres (82 ft) on the roll. This is sufficient for welding a tank/vessel of 8 metres (26 ft) diameter, or a number of smaller ones. The medium, the heavy and super heavy duty rolls have 12.5 metres (41 ft).

6.0 What applications is the Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® designed for?

Sheet to sheet, plate to plate, pressure vessels, large diameter pipes and tanks, longitudinal and circumferential seams, to support the weld pool.

Or anywhere that a back purge is desired but not possible or too expensive with gas. Or for any weld that requires extensive post weld grinding and polishing, so that post weld cleaning is reduced almost to zero.

Plus any welds that have to be welded from both sides for a number of reasons. Argweld® Backing Tape® permits single sided welding in some cases and saves large amounts of time and money.

7.0 What metals can be welded with Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®?

All weldable metals including copper nickel, carbon, stainless, duplex steels, alloy steels, nickel & cobalt alloys and titanium.

8.0 What welding processes can I use with Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®?

TIG/GTAW, FCAW and MIG/GMAW. The constraints are the current. 80 amps for the lightweight grade, 160 amps for the medium grade, 240 Amps for the heavy duty grade and 600 Amps for the extra heavy duty grade.

9.0 What advantages does Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® have over backing bars and purging dams?

There is a major practical advantage by not having to use expensive and difficult to use backing bars. Backing bars need to be manipulated and held in place with complicated and expensive fixturing.

10.0 Are there any fumes given off when welding onto Argweld® Weld Backing Tape®?

There are no noxious nor toxic fumes given off when welding onto backing tape.

11.0 What is the difference between Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® and backing tiles?

Weld Backing Tape® is the more economical solution for welding currents up to 600 amps. For welding currents above 600 amps, it is better to use the more expensive ceramic backing tile alternative.

12.0 What is the difference between Ceramic tape and Argweld® Backing Tape®?

Tig/GTAW welding arcs can reach temperatures of 6000ºC for which Argweld® Backing Tape® is suitable. Ceramic tape however does not perform well at high temperatures and will crumble, thus letting air into the weld zone and causing oxidation that has to be removed.

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Shipping Information, Weights and Dimensions

Customs Tariff:

Large quantities are manufactured in batches and are usually available from stock at all times for immediate delivery.

Order your product today....! We ship today!

Product Codes and Sizes

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices

Items available as 'Downloads'

Leaflets and general sales material are available to everyone visiting our website.

Restricted access items are shown at the end of this Download section.

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape A4 Leaflet

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape A3 Technical Leaflet

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape Sales Flyer

Argweld® Weld Backing Frequently Asked Questions FAQ

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape Technical Article and Leaflet Combined ART and LFT

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape Technical Article Mechanical Welding Backing Methods

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape Technical Article Glass Fibre Report

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape Product Features and Benefits

Argweld® Purging Accessories Flyer

Argweld® Purging Accessories Promotional Poster

Special Note: The items below are restricted and only available in our Secure Login section.  This is mainly for the protection of our Exclusive Distributor network. Should you wish to receive an item mentioned below which is not active as a 'download' link on this page, please contact us or your nearest Distributor.

Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® User Instructions Technical Manual
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® User List Customer Reference
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Material Safety Data Sheet MSDS
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Certificate of Conformity
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Technical Data Sheet TDS
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Quick Guide Technical Data Sheet TDS
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Full Guide Technical Data Sheet TDS
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Technical Data Sheet TDS Detailed Weld Results
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Technical Data Sheet TDS Weld Results
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Technical Notes
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Training Poster
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Information Request for Sample Pack
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Information Request for Sample Pack Cover
Argweld® Weld Backing Tape® Price List

Contact us - See our Worldwide Offices