The main difference between MIG and TIG welding is that MIG uses a continuous wire electrode feeding wire through a welding gun, whereas TIG welding uses long welding rods that have to be held separately to slowly feed them into the weld puddle. A weld puddle refers to a small, workable portion of a weld where the base metal has reached its melting point and is ready to be infused with filler material. The weld pool is central to the success of the welding process.
MIG stands for metal inert gas; however, it may also be known as wire welding. MIG welding is an arc welding process where a continuous solid wire electrode is fed through a welding gun and into the weld puddle, joining the two base materials together. A shielding gas is also sent through the welding gun, protecting the weld puddle from contamination. The MIG process enables many welders to make most fabrication, maintenance, and repair welds on material from 24 gouges up to ½” thick. Many people use MIG welding because it’s an easier process to learn than TIG welding. Read more about MIG welding.
Advantages of MIG welding include:
Higher productivity
Less stopping and starting
Easier to learn.
Disadvantages include;
Limited positions
Burn-through
Unsuitable for outdoor welding.
TIG stands for tungsten inert gas and is technically called gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc. The tungsten and weld puddles are protected and cooled with an inner gas (typically argon). Tungsten is a rare metal found naturally on Earth that has the highest melting point. A TIG welder uses two hands for this welding process; one hand feeds the filler rod into the weld puddle, and the other uses an electric torch. TIG welding can soft start and soft stop, making TIG welding different from other types of electric welding.
Advantages of TIG welding include:
Versatility
Control
Less Distortion
Disadvantages include:
Skill level
Equipment Costs
Speed
Knowing when to use MIG & TIG
MIG and TIG welding both use an electric arc to make the weld and shielding gas to protect the weld pool from potentially damaging atmospheric gases. However, each process of welding is suited to specific productions. Generally, MIG welding is more often recommended for ease of use, and the process tends to be a bit more forgiving of mistakes than TIG welding is. TIG welding requires very strict control over the timing, pressure, and electric current used in the weld.
TIG is a technical process to learn that requires a refined technique on specific angles and needs to be done at a slow pace to produce cleaner and more visually appealing welds. This is why this process is often suggested for small amounts of welding and is commonly used for thinner gauge materials. Items that are made with this process include things such as kitchen sinks and toolboxes. Whereas MIG welding is a better choice for larger production, it doesn’t need to be quite as accurate to be strong. Using MIG welding, you are able to weld a range of material thicknesses, from thin-gauge sheet metal right up to heavier structural plates.
There's also the choice of a welding machine with multiple custom settings, allowing you to choose from MIG, MMA, and TIG modes. The multiple-process welding machine offers flexibility and some of the most innovative welding technology available. Including welders from market-leading brands like the ESAB Rebel, which offers multiple customer settings with a complete breakthrough design inspired by professional welders. A complete package to weld mild steel, aluminium, and stainless steel.
In conclusion, both MIG and TIG welding offer unique advantages and cater to different welding needs. MIG welding is renowned for its speed, ease of use, and suitability for larger projects and thicker materials. On the other hand, TIG welding excels in precision, producing clean and high-quality welds, making it ideal for intricate tasks and a variety of metals.
Choosing between MIG and TIG welding ultimately depends on your specific requirements, skill level, and the nature of the projects you'll be working on. Whether you're looking for efficiency and ease or precision and versatility, there's a welding method to suit your needs.
Ready to find the perfect welding machine for your projects? Explore our extensive range of MIG and TIG welding machines on our website and take your welding capabilities to the next level.
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