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

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

But, there are some essential differences in between these two electrical arc welding processes:

How Each Process Functions

MIG, or metal inert gas, welding is a procedure that includes constantly feeding a metal wire into the weld being made. The wire functions as a filler product to help sign up with the two metal items.

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

Suitability for Welding Thicker Metal Objects

Because MIG welding employs 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 material, TIG welding needs to get the pieces of metal being welded hot enough to form a bond with each other. Usually, this is simpler with thinner pieces of metal than with thicker ones.

In general, for actually thick, heavy-duty welds, MIG welding is the go-to option. For thinner pieces of metal, TIG welding has the tendency to be the more reliable solution.

Ease of Control

Generally speaking, MIG welding is regularly advised for ease of use. The process tends to be a bit more forgiving of mistakes than TIG welding is– so it’s frequently recommended for novice operators and non-professionals.

TIG welding, on the other hand, needs extremely rigorous control over the timing, pressure, and electric existing used in the weld. Most of the times, TIG welding is best done utilising an automated, computer numerically-controlled (CNC) welding machine. Machines can dependably perform identical welds over and over a lot more easily than a manual welder could.

When using an automated welder (whether it’s MIG or TIG), it is very important to obtain the weld settings and controls just right– otherwise, you run the risk of repeating the exact same mistake over and over.

Which One is Better?

The response depends upon the task in question. As noted earlier, MIG welding is usually much better for heavy-duty welding work where bigger, thicker pieces of metal are being joined due to the fact that it uses filler material.

Nevertheless, TIG welding can work marvels for joining smaller sized pieces of metal, such as the wires for a custom-made steel wire basket. Also, since the TIG process straight joins two pieces of metal, there’s no filler material to stop working.

With robotic welding equipment, TIG welding can be a bit lower-maintenance, since the welding electrode isn’t really being continuously taken in by the welding procedure. However, the welding electrode still has to be appropriately cleaned and polished between usages– particularly when welding stainless steel.

In other words, choosing one welding solution as the best must be done on a case-by-case basis, which is why Marlin Steel is devoted to having a variety of tools and innovations for completing welds.