MIG welding is one of the most popular welding processes that uses electricity to join materials together. Often, welders choose MIG as it is one of the easier techniques to master compared to other applications like TIG. A long-standing process that is also known as wire welding, flux-cored welding, gas metal arc welding, and mag welding. Let’s break it down!
MIG welding is abbreviated from metal-inert gas welding. This is where a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the weld puddle, joining the two materials together. Generally, MIG welding is more often recommended for ease of use, and the process tends to be a bit more forgiving of mistakes compared to TIG welding.
Advantages and disadvantages of MIG welding.
Advantages:
Higher productivity.
Less stop and start.
Easier to learn.
Better visibility.
No stub-end losses.
Faster welding speed.
Disadvantages:
Limited positions.
Burn-through.
Unsuitable for outdoor welding.
Unsuitable for thick metals.
Metal preparation time.
What do you need to get started with MIG welding?
MIG Welder: To perfect the art of MIG welding, you must first get to know your MIG welder, including wire feed speed and voltage settings. To get these, you’ll need to find the wire size, thickness, and types of metals you will be welding. However, your MIG welder will often have suggested settings charts on the side to help you get set up correctly and get you welding! Alternatively, you’ll want to have a good read through the manual of your welding machine to get to grips.
MIG Welding Torch: A MIG welding torch is used to feed a consumable heated wire electrode continuously and direct shielding gas to protect the weld pool. There are air-cooled and water-cooled torches available in various lengths and sizes.
Consumable Electrode Wire: MIG welding wire is used as a filler material that becomes the weld bead. The welding torch continuously feeds through the MIG welding wire into the welding area for different applications, including mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, and flux-cored wires.
Shielding Gas: MIG welding involves a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from contamination. The selection of gas depends on each welding application. Different mixtures are optimised for each transfer mode and material being welded.
Earth Clamp: You will need one of these to secure the connection between the energiser and earthing system for optimum electrical conductivity.
Weld Finish: Sometimes you might want to finish a weld to create a smoother-looking weld. This can be done with a grinding disc on an angle grinder.
Use an abrasive on your workpiece before welding to ensure you have a quality weld. This is to remove grease, oil, rust, or paint from your workpiece. Oils, grease, or other contaminants can affect the weld and reduce the quality of your results. You can also use an angle grinder and abrasive after you have completed the weld to remove weld spatters and create a smoother-looking finish
MIG welding process tips and tricks
The key to producing quality welds is keeping your speed steady.
Don’t rush!
Going too quick or too slow can affect the quality of the weld. Many people will lose their patience and want to quickly get it done. The problem with this is that going too fast will lead to much less penetration. Due to too little heat being produced at the weld puddle, you will not have enough filler metal for a quality weld. However, if you are going too slowly, it may produce too much heat, causing the puddle to burn through or not produce a very attractive weld.
When learning MIG welding, many welders opt for two-hand grips to ensure a more accurate weld, and this generally provides better results. However, ensuring you have a good gun angle is very important for producing a good weld. MIG welding beginners opt for the flat position to learn MIG, and once this is perfected, you can adapt to other positions, for example, vertical, horizontal, and overhead positions. These can be done easily and further developed through practice.
Our favourite online MIG Welders
Understanding MIG welding is essential for anyone looking to achieve high-quality welds efficiently. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced welder, selecting the right MIG welder and consumables is crucial for your success. Our knowledgeable team can help you with product selection. Helping you make informed decisions to meet your specific welding needs get in touch or visit us at our show room! While you wait explore our range of MIG welders and consumables to ensure you have everything necessary for your next project.
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