Mig vs Tig: Learn the Importance of the Welding Methods

MIG and TIG are two popular types of welding methods. The two methods have enormous differences as well as there are a few similarities. MIG and TIG are the electrodes the experts use to do the welding. MIG uses a solid wire, whereas TIG uses a non-combustible electrode to handle the welding process. First, you need to find an expert welder who knows how to use the wire and gives you confidence. Ensure the experts take necessary safety measures to help you familiarize yourself with the beneficial solutions. Let’s discuss more on Mig vs Tig.

MIG vs TIG-How the two processes work?

First, you need to know how the two processes work:

MIG

MIG is also known as metal arc welding and uses a semi-automatic or full-automatic arc. It’s important to get a consumable wire electrode along with shielding gas. The electrode is inserted through a welding gun. You must be aware of the wire diameter, and thus you will feel confident to start the welding. Also, consider the wire feed speed, and you will learn the benefits of metal arc welding. The shielding gas, however, differs depending on the type of welding, and it’s good to speak to an expert.

TIG

It uses a non-combustible tungsten electrode; you also need to get a filler material. Before you start the process, you need to know the TIG filler rod composition. Ensure that the rod size is suitable for the specific type of welding and it helps you handle the whole process efficiently. Next, a foot pedal also comes up as necessary stuff, and it helps you get good control over heat. Ensure that you get the best TIG shielding gas that contains 100% Argon. It’s good to avoid the fusion of Argon and CO2. Pure Argon helps in better welding, and you will learn how TIG welding brings benefits in real-time.

MIG vs TIG: Differences Between MIG and TIG Welding

Are you confused about which one to choose, MIG or TIG? Here you will get a clear view of the differences between the two welding methods:

Welding Gas

Proper shielding gas helps you handle the process properly. If you use a low-quality shielding gas, it may add impurities, and thus the welding won’t be durable enough. MIG and TIG use different shielding gasses, and you need to find the right one. TIG uses pure argon gas, as tungsten electrodes easily react to certain gasses. Argon is a non-reactive gas, and thus it helps you easily deal with reactive gasses. However, you may use a fusion of different gasses like Helium, nitrogen, or hydrogen to handle specific applications.

On the other hand, MIG uses a mixture of Argon and CO2 gasses. You may consider 75% argon and 25% CO2. MIG makes good penetration and stabilizes the arc, making the welding more durable.

Metals to Weld

• Stainless steel welding

Stainless steel is a harder metal, and you may find it difficult to weld the metal. It retains heat, and it may get distorted when it cools. TIG welds are a better option for dealing with stainless steel, and it helps you weld the metal efficiently. It works well on thin stainless steel, and TIG is suitable for finer welds. Most stainless steel welding is done using TIG, and you need to consider the specific stainless steel alloy. It helps you find the right shielding gas, and thus you can handle the whole process without any worries. 

Sometimes, MIG is also used with a pulsed current, and it helps you explore a higher production rate. It’s the best option if you want to complete the industry work faster. Also, it helps in handling complex stainless steel welding.

• Aluminum Welding

A thin layer of aluminum oxide develops on the surface when the metal is exposed to the external environment. Thus, it becomes difficult to weld, and you need excellent heat control to use the arc correctly. Thus, you will find cutting through the aluminum oxide easy, and you must get a TIG foot pedal. It helps control the heat, and you will learn the best uses of TIG welding. TIG works with an AC (alternate current) connection and easily removes the aluminum oxide layer. 

However, if you want to use the MIG process for aluminum welding, you must clean the metal properly. MIG may cause metal contamination, as it easily reacts with atmospheric gasses. If you take the necessary safety measures, MIG welding helps you complete the industry work faster. It enhances productivity, and you will learn why some industry people prefer MIG welding.

MIG and TIG Welding Applications

Now, you may be wondering how to choose the welding methods. MIG welding helps you cut faster and is suitable on hard and abrasive surfaces. Also, MIG welding helps you get a higher productivity rate compared to TIG welding. MIG uses a feed wire which is easy to use, rather than the hand-fed rod, which requires ample filler material. Before you start TIG welding, get the perfect rod that fits in your hand. Once you start the process, you may find it difficult to adjust the rod in your hand. It’s thus important to know the proper measurement of the rod, ensuring that it won’t need to stop the process. If you frequently stop and start the process, it may give rise to defects that are difficult to handle.

On the other hand, if you have thin metals, TIG welding is the best choice. Thin materials easily get burned, and thus, it’s important to take care while using the TIG rod. TIG is suitable for temporary welding like handling pipe joints etc. Cresco Commercial Metals provide professional welding service and are familiar with MIG and TIG welding. They can handle projects of any size and know whether they will use MIG or TIG. They offer services at affordable rates, and you can trust the experts. It’s time to opt for the services and know how to deal with thick or thin surfaces.