If asked which is the most common and precise way to join two metals, anyone in their right minds would say welding. It is the process of joining two metal bodies by melting metal into its liquid state. Now the question arises, which of the welding process is most preferred in the majority of cases?
Metal Inert gas welding (MIG) and tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) are two completely different types of welding processes. Both techniques are unique and provide completely different results. It is, therefore, essential to know the better welding process for a specific welding need.
In this article, we shall compare the MIG welding and TIG process of welding based on various aspects. We will figure out its distinct advantages and disadvantages in the next section. Comparing both types of welding will inform you about the correct welding process for a particular cause.
What is MIG and TIG welding?
The welding process involves heating of metals until it reached its liquid state. After that, it is used to join two metals. The MIG welding process includes feeding a metallic wire that is connected with an electrode. The metallic wire combines or binds the project together to get the desired result. MIG is also called as the short-circuit process of welding. When the metal forms a puddle over the project, the inert gas from the gun protects the formation from other elements. In this case, the role of the inert gas is just like a shield over the formation. It ensures that the process of welding the metals proceeds successfully. It is one of the more natural processes of welding. The majority of the welding processes use this technique due to the speed of the process.
On the other hand, there is the TIG process, which is entirely different from that of the MIG welding process. The TIG welding process includes the use of a tungsten electrode. It runs a current on the metals that a welder wants to join. As soon the electrode heats the metallic body, the welder needs to dip the filling material on the puddle. Through this method, the two distinct processes get joined. The TIG welding process does not require filling material for successful welding. Moreover, the TIG process produces the end product with greater scientific accuracy.
Difference between MIG welding and TIG welding
The technique of both the welding process is quite different. In the MIG process of welding, an electrode is continuously carried along with a spool gun to generate the weld. But in the TIG welding process, the welder needs to feed a separated filling material in the project using another hand. The MIG process is much easier than the TIG process. It is because, in the process of TIG welding, a person needs to grab the torch using one hand and the filling material, on the other hand. It makes the welding process of TIG considerably tricky.
Apart from this, the TIG process is immensely time-consuming. On the other hand, the MIG process of welding is faster. The user can also join thick metals quickly without taking much time. If it is required to maintain the efficiency of the rate of work, it is better to opt for the MIG process. Production of most metals employs the MIG process. These metals include stainless steels, mild steels, and much more. TIG is quite compatible, but it works better on thinner materials.
TIG is much more expensive than the MIG welding process. However, the finishing of the TIG welding is better and admirable. The end product of TIG welding is accurate and clean. This is the reason why the TIG process is majorly used in ornamental welding since it provides the ornament with an attractive look.
Component required for the MIG welding process
- Power: It is the most common concern for welding. However, the power source in MIG welding should be DC with a constant voltage.
- Electrode: The choice for the perfect electrode depends upon the project. The electrode can be thick or thin or may vary in composition. It entirely depends upon the welder and the project.
- Torch: The welding torch is essential to generate the gas. It protects the arc and the weld pool. It also transfers the welding current into the wires. The torches are generally air-cooled or water-cooled. If the workload is high, the water-cooled torch is usually used.
- Conduit: A short and straight conduit is preferred since it helps in accurate feeding.
- Filler metal: It is responsible for conducting the electrical current to melt the electrode.
- Gas Shielding: It is a shield that protects the puddle from other elements of the atmosphere.
Components required for the TIG welding
- Power source: In the TIG process, the power source can be DC or AC, whichever is more accessible. AC source operates better in aluminum welding. On the other hand, the DC source provides a stable arc.
- Torch: The TIG torch can have a variety of designs. It can come up with an on/off switch that anyone can control.
- Foot Pedal: It controls the electricity of the torch. When pressed harder, the amount of electricity increases to make the arc hotter.
- Electrode and gas shielding: The shape and angle of the tip of the electrode make the pool. The gas shielding is vital to protect the arc from other elements.
- Filler material: The filler rods come in various sizes. Which one is to be chosen depends upon the requirements of the project.
- Backing Bars: It helps the welded area to cool faster.
Conclusion
Welding is the most common process to join two distinct metals by heating a metal and putting its liquified state to the junction. In the paragraphs mentioned above, we have discussed two different welding processes. One is the MIG process of welding, and the other is the TIG process of welding.
So far, we have explored the significant differences between them. The use of TIG and MIG welding primarily depends upon what the project requires. Choosing the correct process of welding can change the quality of work of the product and the durability of making it. If any welder adopts the exact welding process for any project, they can improve the quality and efficiency of the desired end product. That is the reason why every welder should be well-informed about the different advantages and disadvantages of employing the TIG or the MIG welding process.