The MIG (Metal Inert Gas) and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding processes are two of the most popular arc welding processes. When selecting your welding process, consider the consequences of choosing the wrong type of welding technique. Choosing the wrong type of welding process can lead to numerous problems, including weaker bonds, corroded joints or the weld failing altogether.
MIG and TIG arc welding techniques have both been around for decades, but they are still being used today. Here, we will explore how each process works and when it’s more useful to use one over the other.
mig welding explained
In MIG welding, a wire is fed through a welding gun at a steady pace while being constantly energized by an inert gas. As soon as the wire leaves the welding gun, it comes into contact with an electric tip. When the two pieces of metal that need to be welded are pressed together and a continuous feed of wire is applied, the wire melts and the two metals are joined by filler material from the wire itself.
Given the speed and ease with which MIG welding can fuse materials together, it is sometimes described like a hot glue gun.
Because the welding wire in a MIG welder acts as both an electrode and filler, it is possible to fuse pieces of metal together through their entire thickness, without the need to heat them throughout.
tig welding explained
Tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding is a welding technique that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create strong welds directly between two pieces of metal. To carry out a TIG weld, three basic components are needed: heat, shielding, and filler metal.
When electricity passes through the tungsten electrode, an arc is created and heat is produced. The shielding is created by a compressed bottle of gas. When the gas is turned on, it protects the weld area from the air. It’s an incredibly precise process that requires both hands. One hand of a welder holds the torch, and with the other, a welder starts the fill by dipping the arc into the weld puddle and filling it.
their differnces
MIG and TIG welding both use an electric arc to generate a weld, but the techniques used to create that arc differ. MIG welding uses a continuous wire feed to create a spark and form the weld. TIG welding uses non-consumable tungsten rods to generate extreme heat which melts the metal.
