MIG And TIG Welding Techniques

MIG and TIG Welding

Among the various techniques used for arc-welding, MIG and TIG welding are the most common. Both share certain similarities and particular differences over which one would be chosen over the other. MIG welding stands for Metal Inert Gas while TIG welding stands for Tungsten Inert Gas. Both methods for welding use electricity as arc-welding usually utilizes electricity. Similar in name, MIG and TIG have quite a few differences too depending on the precision of weld required, time allocated for setup, and utilization.

There are several benefits and disadvantages to using TIG and MIG welding, depending on specific needs.

Arc-welding is one of the oldest welding processes still in use. It is one of the cheapest ways to weld as there is not much equipment utilized and is one of the reasons why it is used often. Arc-welding is definitely versatile as there are several specialized electrodes that can be used in accompaniment with arc-welding. Arc-welding is very difficult on thin material, however, it takes considerable training to learn how to perform this weld.

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Arc-welding works on both AC and DC current. A flux coating is applied to shield material from weld. Arc-welding is a broader subject within which both these processes (MIG and TIG welding) are under. A variety of advantages and disadvantages can be seen in comparison between MIG and TIG welding.

MIG welding, a form of arc-welding, is a far simpler process than TIG welding. MIG welding works by using a continuous feeding spool of welding wire that burns, melts, and fuses pieces of metal together.

Several variety of materials can be used when MIG welding such as stainless steel and aluminum. Various metal thicknesses can also be used with the process. A wire connected to an electrode current is used to fuse these metals together. The inert gas protects the electrode from contamination. Due to MIG welding being a method of arc-welding, an arc is created through this process to create heat needed to fuse metals together. MIG welding is the preferred method over TIG welding because the process is much quicker and is an easier process to learn. MIG welding runs the filler material from a wire through the MIG torch. This wire carries the electrical current, and does the actual welding. MIG welding can continue until the wire reel runs out and then the wire reel must be replaced. Through this process, most welds come out clean.

On the contrary, TIG welding less commonly preferred as method to arc-weld. The largest advantage of using TIG welding is that the power can be turned down very low and not blow through the metal. TIG welding is a procedure that takes longer time as it is a much finer and delicate process than MIG welding. Thus, it is harder to learn as compared to MIG welding. TIG welding is more versatile than MIG welding because it can handle various types of metals than MIG welding can. The disadvantage would be that TIG welding is slower and requires much patience and time, in addition to experience. TIG Welding uses non-consumable tungsten with inert gas to weld two pieces of work together. The tungsten electrode provides the necessary electricity for the welding process. Similar to MIG welding, the heat is produced by electricity passing through the tungsten electrode by creating an arc to the metal. Once the arc is created the two pieces of metal begin to melt by creating a puddle of metal. After the puddle is established, the welder starts filling the joint by manually dipping a welding wire into the arc to fill the joint. Ultimately this process fuses the piece of metals into a single piece of metal.

In conclusion, arc-welding is done through two processes: MIG and TIG welding. There are many similarities and differences between MIG and TIG welding as explored within this dissertation. Differences include the time needed to master each ability. MIG welding takes relatively less training because it is easier to learn. However, TIG welding is considerably harder to learn as it is a delicate and finer process. In addition, MIG welding takes much less time to complete the task than does TIG welding. Certain similarities can also be seen between both processes of arc-welding. Examples are that both processes use electricity. Furthermore, both methods require the creation of an arc to supply the heat needed to fuse pieces of metal together. These differences and similarities offers the drawbacks and advantages each type of arc-welding method has to offer and is what makes these two processes unique in their individual ways.