How a Tube & Fin Radiator Works in a TIG Welding Machine

This is a liquid-to-air forced convection cooling system. It transfers heat generated by the TIG welding torch and internal electrical components via circulating coolant, then dissipates heat to ambient air through the tube & fin core.

Two independent fluid paths:

Liquid side (inside tubes): Cooling water circulates to carry away heat.

Air side (between fins): Cooling fans blow air across fins to release heat into the air.

Step 1: Heat generation & heat absorption

During welding, the TIG torch (torch head, electrode holder) and high-power electronic components (IGBT, rectifier, transformer) produce massive heat.

Circulating deionized water / water-glycol coolant flows through copper pipelines connected to these hot parts, absorbing heat and becoming warm/hot liquid.

Step 2: Hot coolant flows into the tube & fin core

The heated coolant is pumped into the copper tubes of the tube & fin radiator. Heat transfers from the hot liquid to the inner tube wall, then conducts through the copper tube to the outer tube surface.

Step 3: Heat transfer to integral fins

Hundreds of continuous aluminum plate fins are tightly mounted on the copper tubes (expanded or brazed joint). Heat spreads rapidly from tube surfaces to the large-area fins.

The integral fin structure greatly enlarges the heat dissipation area.

Step 4: Forced air cooling (heat release)

Built-in axial fans inside the welding machine blow ambient cool air vertically through the gaps between fins.

High-speed airflow takes away heat from fin surfaces, turning hot air out of the machine cabinet.

Step 5: Cooled coolant recirculates

After releasing heat, the coolant inside tubes cools down. It flows out from the radiator and returns to the TIG torch & heat sources, starting a new cooling cycle.

Key Structure Roles (Tube & Fin Core)

Copper Tubes

High thermal conductivity; carry coolant and conduct heat to fins. Standard material: TP2 copper tube.

Integral Aluminum Fins

Maximize heat exchange area; lightweight, low cost. Flat fin / corrugated fin for different cooling demands.

Tube-Fin Joint

Mechanical expansion or vacuum brazing ensures tight contact, no thermal resistance gap, stable heat transfer.

Header / Water Chamber

Distributes coolant evenly into each tube, balances flow rate.

Why Tube & Fin is Preferred for TIG Welders

Compact modular design, fits well inside limited cabinet space.

Low air resistance, matches small industrial axial fans.

Good vibration resistance, adapts to on-site welding working conditions.

Easy assembly and maintenance; dust between fins can be cleaned by air blowing.

Stable cooling performance, supports 100% duty cycle for long-time TIG welding.

Common Application Layout in TIG Machines

Water loop: TIG torch → Pump → Tube & Fin Radiator → Back to torch (closed loop).

Air flow: Cabinet fan → Fin gaps → Hot air exhausted outside the machine.

For high-current TIG machines (≥200A), this tube & fin radiator is the core of the built-in water cooling system to prevent torch burnout.