SouthernShield is available in binary mixtures of either Argon / Carbon Dioxide, Argon / Helium or as a tri-mixture comprising Argon, Helium and Carbon Dioxide.

Argon/Carbon Dioxide mixtures are commonly used as shielding gases for Metal Inert Gas (MIG) or Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding. Compared to using 100% Carbon Dioxide, these mixtures provide superior arc stability, reduce spatter, and improve weld puddle control.

CO2GAR mixtures (CO2/Argon) are available in a range of CO2 concentrations. 

– 98% Argon / 2% Carbon Dioxide (SouthernShield Specific): Recommended for stainless steel where good penetration is required. The low CO2 concentration minimises the risk of chromium carbide formation, which helps prevent sensitisation and maintains corrosion resistance.   

-88-90% Argon / 10-12% CO2 (SoutherShield Universal) Versatile and most popular gas mixture. Designed for Gas Metal Arc Welding on carbon and low-alloy steels. Commonly used for industrial, fabrication and manufacturing applications, providing a stable, high-quality weld in all positions. Used for spray transfer on a large range of material thickness from 4mm to 10mm. 

-82% Argon / 18% CO2 (SouthernShield 18) The most versitile mixture for industrial MIG welding applications. The 18% CO2 is the maximum amount you can have while still reliably achieving true spary transfer. For higher voltage settings, the spray of fine droplets allows for incredibly fast welding on thick plate with almost zero splatter. Used where speed is the key, operators can switch from short-circuit tacking to high-speed filling (spray).  

-80% Argon / 20% CO2 (SouthernShield Heavy) Used for thicker materials and high-productivity environments. Many automated systems use 80/20 because it offers a very stable arc with minimal cleanup.  This mixture allows for spray transfer at higher voltages, resulting in deep penetration and high deposition rates. Excellent for heavy-duty frames, farm equipment and machinery.   

-75% Argon / 25% CO2 (SouthernShield Ultra Heavy or FCW) Used for MIG welding of carbon/mild steel. This mixture provides a good balance between arc stability, reduced spatter, good penetration and excellent weld bead appearance. This gas mixture is popular with Flux-cored wire. Often called dual-shield, as it uses both the flux inside the wire and an external shielding gas to protect the weld. 

ARGON/HELIUM/CARBON DIOXIDE MIXTURES

SouthernShield Stainless

90% Helium / 7.5% Argon / 2.5% Carbon Dioxide (SouthernShield Stainless Light)- Short-circuit transfer on stainless steel. The Helium provides high heat input to overcome the sluggish nature of molten stainless steel, ensuring the weld pool flows well, while the argon portion provides general shielding to protect the puddle from atmospheric contamination, while the carbon dioxide acts as a reactive component, to further stabilise the arc, and improve fusion. The CO2 is kept low to prevent “carbon- pickup” which affects the corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. 

90-30% Helium / 7.5-68% Argon / 2% Carbon Dioxide (SouthernShield Stainless Universal-Heavy)- Used for heavy-duty structural projects where high deposition rates and deep penetration are critical. This gas blend can be mixed to suit your exact application. 

 25-75% Helium / 25-75% Argon (SoutherShield Aluminium-Heavy to Light)-25% Helium for medium thickness 3-6mm aluminium. Good penetration while keeping a stable arc. 50% Helium, great heat input for large weld pools for materials of thickness greater than 6.4mm. For mixtures with 75% Helium, used for extremely thick material over 12mm thick. Deep root penetration often for mechanised welding.