Here’s a question that a great deal of individuals 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. Also, both processes use an inert gas mix to prevent rust of welding electrode.
However, there are some key distinctions in between these two electrical arc welding procedures:
How Each Process Works
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 uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to run a current through the metals being joined and may or might not utilise a filler metal.
Viability for Welding Thicker Metal Objects
Because MIG welding uses a consumable filler material to make welds, it can typically 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 bonded hot enough to form a bond with each other. Generally, this is easier 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 has the tendency to be the more efficient option.
Ease of Control
Generally speaking, MIG welding is regularly recommended 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 suggested for first-time operators and non-professionals.
TIG welding, on the other hand, needs extremely strict control over the timing, pressure, and electrical present used in the weld. TIG welding is best done utilising an automated, computer numerically-controlled (CNC) welding machine. Makers can reliably perform similar welds over and over much more quickly than a manual welder could.
When utilising an automated welder (whether it’s MIG or TIG), it’s important to obtain the weld settings and controls ideal– otherwise, you run the risk of repeating the exact same mistake over and over.
Which One is Better?
The answer depends upon the job in question. As kept in mind earlier, MIG welding is usually better for sturdy welding work where bigger, thicker pieces of metal are being joined because it uses filler product.
TIG welding can work marvels for signing up with smaller sized pieces of metal, such as the wires for a custom-made steel wire basket. Because the TIG process straight signs up with 2 pieces of metal, there’s no filler material to fail.
With robotic welding equipment, TIG welding can be a bit lower-maintenance, because the welding electrode isn’t being continuously consumed by the welding procedure. The welding electrode still needs to be effectively cleaned up and polished in between uses– especially when welding stainless steel.
Simply put, picking one welding solution as the very best must be done on a case-by-case basis, which is why Marlin Steel is dedicated to having a series of tools and technologies for finishing welds.