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When was tungsten-inert gas welding introduced?

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Welder in a blue uniform and protective helmet using shielded metal arc welding to join metal pieces, with bright sparks and smoke visible at the welding point. — welding Shielded metal arc welding.

The tungsten-inert gas (TIG) welding process was introduced in the 1940s. This method utilizes a nonconsumable tungsten electrode to perform fusion welds. The use of tungsten in this capacity is effective because the metal, particularly when alloyed with materials like thoria or zirconia, provides high-temperature strength and enhanced electron emission, making it well-suited for use as an electrode in arc welding applications.14