Here’s a concern that a lot of individuals ask: What’s the distinction between MIG and TIG welding?
A little confusion is completely normal. Both processes utilise electrical arcs to produce heat and sign up with metal items. Both procedures use an inert gas mix to avoid rust of welding electrode.
But, there are some key differences between these 2 electrical arc welding procedures:
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 acts as a filler material to help sign up with the two metal items.
TIG, or tungsten inert gas, welding utilises a non-consumable tungsten electrode to run a current through the metals being signed up with and might or may not utilise a filler metal.
Suitability for Welding Thicker Metal Things
Since MIG welding utilises a consumable filler product to make welds, it can typically finish welds of thicker metal objects in less time than a TIG weld.
Without a filler product, TIG welding needs 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.
Overall, for actually thick, heavy-duty welds, MIG welding is the go-to choice. For thinner pieces of metal, TIG welding tends to be the more reliable solution.
Ease of Control
Generally speaking, MIG welding is regularly suggested for ease of use. The process has the tendency to be a bit more flexible of errors than TIG welding is– so it’s typically advised for newbie operators and non-professionals.
TIG welding, on the other hand, requires really rigorous control over the timing, pressure, and electrical current utilised in the weld. For the most parts, TIG welding is best done utilising an automated, computer system numerically-controlled (CNC) welding device. Makers can reliably carry out identical welds over and over far more easily than a manual welder could.
When using an automated welder (whether it’s MIG or TIG), it is necessary to get the weld settings and controls ideal– otherwise, you risk repeating the very same error over and over.
Which One is Better?
The response depends upon the task in question. As noted previously, MIG welding is usually much better for sturdy welding work where larger, thicker pieces of metal are being joined due to the fact that it uses filler product.
Nevertheless, TIG welding can work marvels for signing up with smaller pieces of metal, such as the wires for a custom-made steel wire basket. Since the TIG process straight signs up with 2 pieces of metal, there’s no filler product to stop working.
With robotic welding devices, TIG welding can be a bit lower-maintenance, because the welding electrode isn’t being constantly consumed by the welding procedure. However, the welding electrode still has to be effectively cleaned up and polished in between usages– especially when welding stainless-steel.
Simply put, selecting one welding option as the very best ought to be done on a case-by-case basis, which is why Marlin Steel is devoted to having a range of tools and innovations for completing welds.
