In order to join materials together, welding is a common manufacturing technique that uses heat and filler. Although a variety of welding processes are available Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding are among the most accurate and adaptable ways for combining metals. However there are difference between mig and tig welding one of which has to do with the welding electrodes that are used to produce the arc. Both TIG and MIG welding use an inert shielding gas and externally provided filler material to join base metals, they differ in important application areas such workpiece thickness capabilities, weld quality, and operator skill requirements.
While TIG forms the weld using a hand-held filler rod and a non-consumable electrode, MIG uses a solid wire that is machine-fed to the weld region. Because of these differences, the MIG and TIG welding methods each have various advantages, disadvantages and recommended uses. In this blog we are going to explore MIG vs TIG Welding for beginners, its types, materials and applications. Having an in-depth knowledge of these techniques for welding you may choose the best option for your mig vs tig welding applications requirements and production objectives.
Comparison Between MIG Welding Vs TIG Welding:
| Criteria | MIG Welding | TIG Welding |
| Process | Uses a continuously-fed consumable electrode | Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode |
| Speed | Faster welding speed | Slower welding speed |
| Heat control | Less control over heat input | Precise control over heat input |
| Skill level | Easier to learn and use | More difficult and requires higher skill level |
| Welding Positions | Can be used in all welding positions | Limited to flat and horizontal positions |
| Weld Quality | Susceptible to defects like spatter and porosity | Provides higher quality, cleaner welds |
| Cost | Lower equipment and consumable costs | Higher equipment and consumable costs |
What is Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding Process?
To create the weld, the MIG welding technique uses a continuous, consumable wire electrode and a semi-automated or fully automatic arc. Because it shields the weld, encourages weld penetration, and lowers weld bead porosity, a shielding gas is also necessary. Most of the time, the shielding gas is a mixture of 75% argon and 25% CO2, while other factors and metals call for various ratios.
The process starts, when the welding gun or torch is used to feed the wire electrode and shielding gas. Remember that several factors such as part thickness, joint configuration, and metal types being bonded will affect the wire’s diameter and composition. Additionally, how quickly and how much wire is supplied are determined by the wire feed speed (WFS) settings.
MIG welding benefits:
- Good for thicker metals
- Less complex
- Lower overall costs
Types of Materials:
MIG welding is versatile and can be used to weld a wide range of materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and various alloys. The process is especially effective for welding thicker materials, as it can create strong, deep welds with minimal distortion.
Applications:
MIG welding is commonly used in automotive repair shops for repairing body panels, exhaust systems, and chassis components. It is also widely used in manufacturing industries for fabricating metal structures, machinery, and equipment. Additionally, MIG welding is popular in the construction industry for building steel structures, bridges, and pipelines.
What is Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Process?
Gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is another name for tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding. This welding procedure uses an arc just like MIG, however instead of using a consumable filler material, the electrode utilized in this process is non-consumable tungsten. When TIG welding, both hands are needed—one for the tungsten electrode and the other for the filler rod, which is often a rod that is manually fed into the weld pool.
There is only argon in the shielding gas mixture. CO2’s reactive characteristics, which lead to the formation of tungsten oxide, prevent it from being used in TIG welding. The tungsten electrode is broken down by tungsten oxide, contaminating the weld.
TIG welding benefits:
- Bonds a wide variety of small and thin metals
- Greater control over the welding operation
- TIG welds are precise and more robust
Types of Materials:
TIG welding is suitable for welding a wide range of materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, copper, titanium, and exotic alloys. The process is particularly effective for welding thin materials and complex shapes, as it allows for precise control over the heat input and weld puddle.
Applications:
TIG welding is commonly used in aerospace industries for welding aircraft components, such as fuselages, engine parts, and fuel tanks. It is also widely used in the nuclear industry for welding reactor components and pipelines. Additionally, TIG welding is popular in the pharmaceutical industry for fabricating stainless steel equipment, such as tanks, vessels, and piping systems.
Conclusion:
TIG and MIG welding are versatile techniques with a wide range of uses and benefits. While each method has advantages, there are also drawbacks that make certain welding projects better suited for one over the other.
Therefore, go with OneTouch Exim if you are searching for experts to assist you in choosing the best welding technique for your custom projects. Our team comprises certified MIG and TIG welders, so you can be sure that your project will be completed to the highest standards of quality and affordability.
