The Differences and Respective Characteristics Between TIG and MIG Welding

TIG Welding

TIG welding (tungsten inert gas arc welding) is a welding method that uses pure Ar as the shielding gas and tungsten electrode as the electrode. TIG welding wire is supplied in a straight strip shape of a certain length (usually lm).

Inert gas shielded arc welding using pure tungsten or activated tungsten (thorium tungsten, cerium tungsten, zirconium tungsten, lanthanum tungsten) as non melting electrodes, using the arc between the tungsten electrode and the workpiece to melt the metal and form a weld. During the welding process, the tungsten electrode does not melt and only serves as an electrode. At the same time, argon or helium gas is fed into the nozzle of the welding torch for protection. Metal can also be added as needed. Internationally known as TIG welding.

Advantages

The main advantage of TIG welding method is that it can weld a wide range of materials, including workpieces with a thickness of 0.6mm and above. The materials include alloy steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper and its alloys, gray cast iron, ordinary steel, various bronze, nickel, silver, titanium, and lead. The main application area is to weld thin and medium thickness workpieces, and use them as the root weld on thicker sections.

MIG Welding

MIG welding, also known as melting electrode inert gas shielded arc welding, is a welding method that uses inert gases such as Ar as the main shielding gas, including pure Ar or a small amount of active gas mixed in Ar gas (such as O2 below 2% or CO2 below 5%) for melting electrode arc welding. MIG welding wires are supplied in rolls or coils by layer winding.

This welding method uses the arc that burns between the continuously fed welding wire and the workpiece as a heat source, and the gas sprayed out by the welding torch nozzle protects the arc for welding.

The commonly used shielding gases for gas shielded arc welding include argon, helium, carbon dioxide, or a mixture of these gases. When argon or helium gas is used as the shielding gas, it is called MIG welding (internationally known as MIG welding); When a mixture of inert gases and oxidizing gases (oxygen, carbon dioxide) is used as the shielding gas, or when a mixture of carbon dioxide gas or carbon dioxide+oxygen is used as the shielding gas, it is collectively referred to as MAG welding (internationally known as MAG welding).

The main advantage of gas shielded arc welding is that it can facilitate welding in various positions, and also has the advantages of fast welding speed and high deposition rate. Melting electrode active gas shielded arc welding is suitable for welding most major metals, including carbon steel and alloy steel. Melting inert gas arc welding is suitable for stainless steel, aluminum, magnesium, copper, titanium, pickaxe, and nickel alloys. This welding method can also be used for arc spot welding.