Advantages of MIG Welding

MIG Welding is a process that is an effective alternative compared to MMA. This guide explores everything that you need to know about the process, including the key benefits.  

MIG welding or Metal Inert Gas Welding refers to an arc welding process. It uses a solid continuous wire electrode which is heated and fed directly into the weld pool. Two base materials are then melted together to ensure a join is formed. Along with the electrode, a shielding gas is also fed into the pool. This ensures that it is protected from any contaminants which may be airborne.  

Originally, this process was developed in 1949 and used specifically to weld aluminium. Helium gas was used to protect the weld pool as it was easily accessible. After 1952, this process began to increase in popularity across the UK. Argon was used as a shielding gas and the process was utilised to weld various carbon steels.  

Advantages Of MIG Welding 

 There are various advantages of using MIG welding. For instance, MIG welding is commonly viewed as a better alternative compared to MMA welding. Part of the right for this is that it provides a higher level of productivity as well as a high deposition rate. The process is more productive because a considerable amount of time is saved as welders do not need to repeatedly brush the weld or constantly change over the rods.  

 MIG welding is also considered to be a semi-automatic process, reducing the labour required. Part of the reason for this is that the wire feed rate, as well as the arc length, are controlled by a power source. However, the wire position and travel speed must both be controlled manually. If no manual intervention is required using a mechanised system, then the process is considered to be totally automatic.  

 Simple And Easy To Learn 

 MIG welding will also provide a high level of pool visibility. This ensures that it is easier to create a high quality weld. It also means that MIG welding is simple to learn. Generally speaking, it is possible to learn the process of MIG welding in just a few hours. Some instructors state that they can offer complete training in just 20 minutes. The majority of the time here is spent on learning how to clean the weld. In contrast, tig welding takes a lot more time. This is why MIG welding is often referred to as a “point and shoot” job.  

 Highly Versatile  

 Another key advantage of MIG welding is that it is a versatile solution. It can be used with a range of different metals and alloys through semi-automatic as well as automatic processes. Indeed, it can be used to weld various metals including: 

• Aluminium 
• Stainless steel 
• Mild steel 
• Magnesium  
• Nickel 
• Iron

It can also be used for countless alloys of these metals too.  

Eco-Friendly And Efficient 

 MIG welding is considered to be an efficient and clean process. The shielding gas ensures that there is limited loss of alloying elements when the metal is transferred across the arc. There is also no slag created that needs to be removed and very minor levels of splatter. A quick clean-up ensures that welders can immediately get back to work and continue with this process.  

 Since the process uses a continuously fed wire, this also ensures that welding speed is dramatically increased. This can occur without any impact on the quality of the product that is created.  

Uses Of MIG Welding 

 MIG welding is a process that can be used in a variety of different ways. This is a process that will be useful for a variety of home welding projects. However, it may also be utilised in an industrial setting as well.  

 A key advantage of MIG welding is that it will provide a strong weld for incredible thin metals. This is why it is commonly used to either repair or assemble the body or the interior of vehicles.  

 Indeed, MIG welding is used today in virtually every welding industry. It can be used for medium-sized industrial companies for the construction of ships, pipelines and pressurised vessels.  

 The process is also commonly used in sheet metal factories including body shops. You can even get a MIG welding machine that is perfect for home use.  

 We hope this helps you understand some of the key advantages of the MIG welding process and why it is commonly used across the welding industry today. Clean, efficient and guaranteed to provide high-quality results, there are countless reasons to rely on this process.  

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