Argon (AR) – Argon is colorless, odorless, tasteless, noncorrosive, nonflammable, and nontoxic. Argon is used primarily for its properties as an inert gas in applications such as arc welding, steelmaking, metal fabrication, heat treating, and electronics manufacturing. Argon provides the most effective cleaning action and offers welders excellent control of the welding arc and puddle.

Helium (HE) – Helium is a colorless, odorless, tasteless inert gas. It is widely used in the arc welding process. Pure helium is excellent to use when the highest possible heat input is needed. Its low specific gravity and nonflammability allow its use in lighter-than-air applications such as the filling of balloons. Mixtures of helium and oxygen are used as a breathing gas for deep-sea diving. Liquid helium is used in superconducting magnetic applications, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Nitrogen (N2) – Nitrogen is colorless, odorless, tasteless and is nonreactive with many materials. Nitrogen is used for inerting in electrical systems and chemical manufacturing. It is also used in cryogenic grinding of plastics, food freezing and packaging.