Argon Cylinders
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What are argon cylinders used for?
Argon cylinders are used to store and supply argon gas for welding, metal fabrication, manufacturing, and laboratory applications.
Argon is most commonly used as a shielding gas in TIG and MIG welding to protect molten metal from oxygen and nitrogen in the air. Its inert properties help produce clean, stable welds with minimal oxidation.
Argon cylinders are also used in industrial processes, research environments, and specialty applications that require a non-reactive atmosphere.
Do argon cylinders ship full or empty?
All argon cylinders ship empty.
Shipping filled high-pressure gas cylinders is restricted for safety and regulatory reasons. Gas Cylinder Source ships argon cylinders empty so they can be transported legally and safely nationwide.
Customers should arrange filling with a qualified gas supplier capable of supporting the cylinder’s pressure rating and CGA-580 valve configuration.
What sizes of argon cylinders are available?
Argon cylinders are available in a wide range of sizes, from small portable cylinders to large 300-cubic-foot industrial tanks.
Smaller cylinders are commonly used for mobile welding, light-duty fabrication, or tight workspaces. Larger argon tanks are preferred by fabrication shops and manufacturing facilities that want to reduce refill frequency.
Choosing the right size depends on welding amperage, gas flow rate, and how often refills are practical for the operation.
Are these argon cylinders DOT certified?
Yes, all argon cylinders sold by Gas Cylinder Source meet current DOT certification requirements.
DOT certification ensures the cylinder complies with federal standards for pressure rating, construction, testing, and identification. This is required for legal transport, filling, and use in the United States.
Cylinders are either newly manufactured or recently recertified, providing current test dates and maximum usable service life.
What valve type do argon cylinders use?
Argon cylinders use CGA-580 valves.
CGA-580 is the standard valve outlet for argon, nitrogen, helium, and other inert gases in industrial applications. This standardization helps prevent incorrect gas connections and improves workplace safety.
Most argon regulators are explicitly designed for CGA-580 valves, making compatibility straightforward for professional users.
What is the difference between steel and aluminum argon cylinders?
Steel argon cylinders are heavier and more economical, while aluminum argon cylinders are lighter and corrosion-resistant.
Steel cylinders are commonly chosen for stationary shop use where durability and lower upfront cost are priorities. Aluminum cylinders are preferred for portable applications due to reduced weight and resistance to rust.
Both materials meet the same DOT standards and perform equally well when properly filled and maintained.
How much pressure do argon cylinders hold?
Most industrial argon cylinders are rated for service pressures around 2,400 PSI.
The exact service pressure is stamped on the cylinder and must be matched with a compatible regulator. Higher-capacity cylinders hold more gas at the same pressure due to their greater internal volume.
Users should always verify pressure ratings and regulator compatibility before filling or operation.
How often do argon cylinders need to be recertified?
Most steel argon cylinders require recertification every 10 years, while aluminum cylinders require it every 5 years.
The retest interval is defined by DOT regulations and is stamped on the cylinder shoulder along with the last test date. Using a cylinder that is out of test is not compliant and may be refused by gas suppliers.
Regular recertification ensures the cylinder remains structurally sound and safe for continued high-pressure service.
Why buy argon cylinders instead of renting them?
Buying argon cylinders eliminates ongoing rental fees and gives businesses full control over their equipment.
Rental programs often involve monthly charges that accumulate over time, especially for operations using multiple cylinders. Ownership provides predictable costs and long-term savings.
Owned cylinders can be filled by local suppliers, allowing flexibility in sourcing and inventory management.
Who should buy argon cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source?
Argon cylinders from Gas Cylinder Source are ideal for welding shops, fabrication facilities, manufacturers, and contractors who want to own their gas equipment.
They are well-suited for businesses that use argon regularly and want compliant, professional-grade cylinders without rental commitments.
Gas Cylinder Source supports both single-cylinder purchases and volume orders, making this category appropriate for small operations and large industrial buyers alike.