What is the purpose of a "gas lens" in TIG welding?

In TIG welding, a gas lens serves a critical role by ensuring a smoother and more concentrated flow of shielding gas around the tungsten electrode and the weld puddle. This smoother gas flow is vital for maintaining proper arc stability, which is essential for achieving high-quality welds. By providing a focused gas coverage, the gas lens effectively minimizes turbulence, preventing atmospheric contamination of the weld area. This enhancement not only improves arc stability but also allows for better control of the welding process, ultimately leading to clean and precise welds with reduced risk of defects.

The other options do touch on processes relevant to welding, but they do not accurately describe the specific functionality of a gas lens. For instance, while stabilizing heat distribution is important, a gas lens primarily facilitates gas flow rather than directly managing heat distribution. Additionally, reducing welding time, while beneficial, is not a direct purpose of a gas lens; instead, it focuses on ensuring quality and precision in the welding process.