Here’s a concern that a lot of people ask: What’s the distinction between MIG and TIG welding?

A little confusion is completely regular. Both processes use electrical arcs to produce heat and join metal items. Likewise, both processes utilise an inert gas mix to prevent rust of welding electrode.

There are some essential distinctions in between these 2 electrical arc welding processes:

How Each Process Works

MIG, or metal inert gas, welding is a process that includes constantly feeding a metal wire into the weld being made. The wire acts as a filler material to assist sign up with the two metal things.

TIG, or tungsten inert gas, welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to run a current through the metals being signed up with and might or might not use a filler metal.

Viability for Welding Thicker Metal Objects

Due to the fact that MIG welding uses a consumable filler product to make welds, it can frequently finish welds of thicker metal objects in less time than a TIG weld.

Without a filler product, TIG welding has to get the pieces of metal being welded hot enough to form a bond with each other. Generally, this is simpler with thinner pieces of metal than with thicker ones.

In general, for really thick, sturdy welds, MIG welding is the go-to alternative. For thinner pieces of metal, TIG welding tends to be the more reliable service.

Ease of Control

Usually speaking, MIG welding is more often advised for ease of use. The procedure tends to be a bit more flexible of errors than TIG welding is– so it’s frequently suggested for novice operators and non-professionals.

TIG welding, on the other hand, needs very rigorous control over the timing, pressure, and electrical current used in the weld. TIG welding is best done using an automated, computer system numerically-controlled (CNC) welding machine. Devices can reliably carry out identical welds over and over a lot more easily than a manual welder could.

When utilising an automated welder (whether it’s MIG or TIG), it is essential to obtain the weld settings and controls perfect– otherwise, you risk duplicating the same mistake over and over.

Which One is Better?

The answer depends upon the task in question. As kept in mind previously, MIG welding is usually much better for heavy-duty welding work where larger, thicker pieces of metal are being joined due to the fact that it utilises filler material.

However, TIG welding can work wonders for joining smaller pieces of metal, such as the wires for a customised steel wire basket. Due to the fact that the TIG procedure straight signs up with 2 pieces of metal, there’s no filler product to fail.

With robotic welding devices, TIG welding can be a bit lower-maintenance, given that the welding electrode isn’t really being constantly consumed by the welding procedure. The welding electrode still needs to be appropriately cleaned up and polished between uses– specifically when welding stainless steel.

Simply put, choosing one welding service as the best should be done on a case-by-case basis, which is why Marlin Steel is devoted to having a series of tools and innovations for finishing welds.