TIG (GTAW) welding and wire welding require supply of shielding gas to the torch. Standard gases are Argon for TIG welding and for wire welding of non-ferrous alloys (aluminium and copper alloys), and Argon/CO2 mix gas (75-80%/25-20%) for wire welding of steels and stainless steels. The gases are supplied in 50 l cylinders or portable 10 l cylinders as described in section "Cylinder and gases". Supply to the power source is either through an outlet station for shielding gas described in section "Gas distribution systems" or directly from a cylinder through a cylinder regulator with flow control.

Actual gas flow at the TIG or wire torch may deviate from what is set on the gas outlet station or on the cylinder regulator, especially if long gas hoses are used.

The Flowcontrol meter measures actual flow at the torch nozzle and is a useful tool for the operator.
Combined with the Flowcontrol needle valve used at the TIG torch or gas inlet of the wire feeder full flow adjustment is available at the work place regardless of distance to the gas cylinder/gas outlet