Dutch First: PMF Qualifies and Certifies TIP TIG for Production Applications
At House of Contracting, we believe innovation happens where craftsmanship, curiosity and collaboration come together. Across our group, we encourage our companies to continuously invest in knowledge, technology and the development of high-quality processes.
A great example is our house contractor, PMF Piping & Mechanical. As the first company in the Netherlands to qualify and certify the TIP TIG welding process for production applications, PMF has built extensive expertise over the past several years in welding high-performance materials such as Duplex and Super Duplex stainless steels.
During qualification testing, PMF's welding specialists observed that TIP TIG welded Super Duplex stainless steel demonstrated exceptional corrosion performance. During ASTM G48 Method A and ASTM A923 Method C corrosion testing at 30°C, conducted by Labortech Testing Solutions and Spelt Engineering, no measurable mass loss and no signs of pitting corrosion were detected.
These outstanding results raised an important question: what was responsible for this exceptional performance?
To investigate this scientifically, PMF partnered with Professor Dirk Engelberg, Fidelity Gea (MSc), and The University of Manchester. Super Duplex test specimens produced by PMF were independently analysed and compared with conventionally welded GTAW (TIG) specimens.
The research findings were recently presented at the Duplex World Conference & Expo 2026 in the Netherlands.
The study examined the microstructure, phase balance, hardness and corrosion behaviour of Super Duplex stainless steel welded joints. Conventional GTAW (TIG) welds, produced using an Ar/2% N₂ shielding gas, were compared with GTAW-TIP TIG welds produced using 100% argon.
Among the key findings, the researchers observed:
- A finer ferrite grain structure in the TIP TIG welds;
- An improved ferrite-austenite phase balance in critical weld regions;
- Consistent hardness values, indicating excellent metallurgical quality for both welding processes;
- Evidence of enhanced corrosion resistance in the TIP TIG welds compared with conventional TIG welds, despite the exclusive use of 100% argon as the shielding gas;
- Distinct microstructural characteristics associated with the lower heat input of the TIP TIG process.
Collaboration Between Industry and Science Drives Innovation
Although further research is required to fully quantify these advantages, the results demonstrate how the choice of welding process can directly influence the final properties of Super Duplex stainless steel fabrications.
At House of Contracting, we are proud that the expertise within our group has contributed to independent scientific research, providing new insights for the international welding industry. It reinforces our belief that practical experience and scientific research complement one another and together drive innovation.
We would like to thank Professor Dirk Engelberg, Fidelity Gea (MSc), The University of Manchester, as well as the welding specialists and skilled professionals of PMF Piping & Mechanical, for their commitment and valuable contributions to this important research programme.
Together, we continue to build knowledge, quality and innovation.