What Is MIG and TIG Welding?
Contract manufacturing services are always adapting to new technology. Is MIG and TIG welding still relevant? Keep reading to find out.
Manufacturing plants are increasingly using robotic welding. Robotic welding requires a higher investment, but it does wonders to improve project performance. The two most common welding techniques are in extensive use by manufacturers, including MIG and TIG Welding. Even though both MIG and TIG weldings use electric arc, there are two different processes. Hence, to ensure the success of your project work, it is crucial to choose the proper welding process.
What is MIG Welding?
MIG Welding or metal inert gas welding utilizes a consumable wire electrode. The consumable wire acts as both the filler material and electrode. Since electrodes also serve as the filler material, this process does not involve melting metals joined to create a weld. Usually, manufacturers use MIG Welding for large and thick materials.
What is TIG Welding?
TIG Welding materials, also referred to as tungsten inert gas welding, refer to joining a wide variety of thin and small metals and materials. TIG Welding employs a non-consumable tungsten electrode that heats the metal. In this process, manufacturers may use the tungsten electrode with or without a filler according to their preference.
What are the differences between MIG and TIG Welding?
Although manufacturers can use both the welding processes on various weld metals and materials, which include aluminum, carbon, stainless steel, and steel, however, as we discussed, thick and large materials employ MIG Welding. In contrast, thin and small metals use TIG welding. Industries that use welding services often prefer one or the other. There are many other key differences between MIG and TIG Welding, which include the following:
Speed
One of the vital functional differences between MIG and TIG Welding is speed. MIG guns can operate continuously for more extended periods, which makes them highly efficient and productive. MIG welding is a much faster and quicker process as compared with TIG welding. On the other hand, TIG Welding pays attention to minute details, which takes a longer time.
Production Costs
It is a rule of thumb in any manufacturing business that time equals production costs. Since the MIG welding process is quick and efficient, the production costs are low. At the same time, TIG weldings get costly due to the time taken during the welding.
Convenience
When it comes to the convenience of the process, MIG welding tops TIG welding. The MIG Welding process requires less training, and you can expect to learn and gain perfection in the process within a short duration. You might not necessarily require a highly trained professional for controlling the MIG welding process. However, TIG welding requires immensely trained professionals as it is a complicated process and needs excellent patience and practice. If you don’t have perfect control and perfection over TIG welding, it is better to go for MIG welding.
Quality
Another factor that differentiates between MIG and TIG welding is the quality of the welds produced. TIG welding produces higher quality welds than MIG welds. Since the TIG welding process focuses on intrinsic details, it also delivers high-end performance in terms of product quality. Hence, the quality and appearance of the welds are reliable and free of any defects.
In contrast, the welds may not be completely reliable and free of defects. The end product quality may be lower as compared to the TIG welding process.
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Which welding process is better for your project?
After gaining insight into the fundamental differences of both the welding processes, it’s essential to understand that both techniques have their appropriate circumstances. For example, wire forming and sheet metal fabrication might require different solutions. To ensure the success of your project, you need to choose the proper welding process for your manufacturing method. So which one is better for you?
MIG Welding Process
If you are new to the manufacturing sector and welding process, MIG is for you. As we know, MIG is an extraordinarily convenient and easy process that does not require much proficiency and adept professionals, and it would be excellent for regular and everyday projects. Moreover, if your project requirements include working on thicker and bigger metals, MIG may suit you the best. Aside from this, MIG weldings may also facilitate you while working on difficult angles or larger projects. If your production process is long, you may opt for the MIG welding process as it is more convenient, faster, and pocket-friendly.
TIG Welding Process
Some projects are highly demanding and require excellent precision. Manufacturers and professionals are working on thin metals that require precision; then, the TIG welding process is a win-win for you. The TIG welding process is a way to go for artistic projects involving minute details and depths. Furthermore, if your project is technically small and may wrap up on short notice, you may employ TIG weldings since it is best suited for small works. Using TIG welding for a large project might be a grave mistake since it will double your time investments and multiply your costs.
You may begin your next artistic and detailed project with TIG welding. However, hire efficient and highly professional workers who know how to handle and control the procedure well.
Key Takeaways
Overall, MIG and TIG welding processes are two unique welding techniques, excellent for their jobs. The application of both of these techniques depends on the project demands and scenarios. It is essential to match the needs of the projects with the plans to deliver high-end results. Choosing the appropriate project might create a significant difference in the overall outcome and durability of the welds.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and confused about which welding service to use, we’ve got you covered.
Wirefab Inc. has nearly 70 years of knowledge about the welding process. Whether you need robotic welding, seamless welding, metal fabrication, or aluminum wire forming, we’re always here to help you. We’re always eager to solve our customers’ problems clear their queries with a broad range of manufacturing capabilities. Reach out to us today to see how we can simplify your next project.
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