A hermetically sealed LVDT is a very rugged sensor. They can be used in high-humidity, high vibration environments and over a wide temperature range. The metal end plates are typically TIG welded to the metal housing. One end includes a hermetically sealed connector. For TIG welding, the end plates are held against a tube that is the housing. The housing is clamped into collets to hold a motor rotates it firmly while it. A tungsten electrode is brought close to the edge where the end plate joins the housing tube. An inert gas, usually argon, flows around the tungsten electrode to eliminate oxidation of the molten metal during the welding process.