The other name for MIG welding is Metal Active Gas (MAG) welding or Gas Metal Arc Welding. In this welding process, an electric art forms between the work piece metal and the MIG wire electrode.

This, in turn hits the work piece metals and this makes them to melt and join. To add on the wire electrode, a shielding has feeds via the welding gun that shields the whole process from the atmospheric contamination.

This process can either be automatic or semi-automatic. In most cases, a direct current and constant voltage power source is used in MIG welding systems. However, you can still use both alternating current and constant current systems in GMAW.

MIG has four primary methods of metal transfer which include the pulsed-spray, spray, short-circuiting, and globular. Each of these techniques come with distinct properties and corresponding limitations and benefits.

MIG was originally developed in the 1940’s for the purposes of aluminum welding and other non-ferrous materials. However, this process was soon used on steel as it provides higher welding times in comparison to the other welding processes.

However, the high cost of inert gas limited its application on steel metals until several years later when the utilization of semi-inert gas like carbon dioxide became so common.

The further developments in the 1950’s and 1960’s made this process more versatile. As a result, it got very high applications in the industrial processes. Nowadays, MIG is widely uses in the industrial welding processes because of its versatility, relative ease to adapt this process to robotic automation, and speed.

Unlike the welding procedures that don’t employ the shielding gas like the shielded metal arc welding, it is rarely applied in areas that have moving air like the outdoors. A related process that is known as flux cored arc welding does not often use a shielding gas. Instead, it uses a hollow electrode wire that is filled with flux. Here are some of the top benefits of MIG welding.

With MIG welding, you don’t have to constantly chip away slag r change rods. The time that the welder saves helps him to enjoy higher productivity. You also don’t have to repeatedly brush the weld. It helps us to work cleaner and faster.

One of the top benefits of MIG welding is the simplicity that comes with the process. You can learn how to MIG weld within a few hours. We have instructors who claim to offer basic training within twenty minutes. In fact, most of the time is just used to clean the weld.

The challenge with TIG welding is that it takes a very long time to learn the process. Most of the welders who deal in home projects will not want to invest their time on such a process. Some instructors define the process of MIG welding as a point and shoot one.

The MIG process tends to deliver better weld pool visibility. When you add this to the better control that the auto-feed wire provides and the simplicity of the process, it makes it easy for MIG to deliver great-looking welds.

MIG utilizes a shielding gas to offer protection to the arc. What this means is that there is minimal loss of the alloying elements as the metal transfers over the arc. There are no slags to remove and this is typical for stick welding.

The process only produces a minor weld spatter. After cleaning up briefly, our MIG welders will get back to the job within no time because of the minimal cleanup that this process needs.

The MIG welding process is a versatile one and you can use it to weld a broad range of alloys and metals. It operates in several ways such as semi-automatic and fully automatic. You can use MIG welding for both home and industrial applications.

The metals that you can use MIG welding on include stainless steel, copper, aluminum, nickel, magnesium, mild steel, iron, and most of the other alloys.

The wire that is continuously fed keeps all your hands free for MIG welding. This, in turn, improves the speed of welding, quality of the weld, and the overall control of the process.

One of the disadvantages of MIG welding is the element of cost. The MIG welding equipment is more costly and complex. The challenge with this equipment is that it also sacrifices on the element of portability. Additionally, electrodes, shielding gas, and replacement nozzles and tips for MIG welding can also add up.

The high heat input and the fluidity of the welding puddle of MIG welding rules it out for overhead or vertical welding. Some welders don’t think of welding in any of these positions and hence have to consider this factor when choosing to buy a MIG welder or not. We use MIG welding to accomplish all the jobs that it is intended for.

A part from being unportable, MIG welding is also not ideal for outside working because it uses a shielding gas for the protection of the purity of the weld. The presence of wind can course a lot of havoc with the shielding gas and this will in turn affect the quality of the weld. Besides, you cannot haul out a MIG welder in the field to use in repairing a tractor. However, it works perfectly in garages for the automotive works.

When you weld a metal with the MIG technique, it will cool at higher rates because they are not covered with slag once the welding process is complete.

MIG welding works best for thin metals. However, it doesn’t deliver appropriate penetration for thick steel that call for a solid weld.

Itcan take time to replace the bottle of the shielding and it can also get in the way as you continue with the welding.

Before using a MIG welder, the materials should be free from dirt and rust. It is the only way that you will get a good weld for the sake of safety.

With all this in mind, you now have the basics of what it takes to undertake the MIG welding process. If you need these services in San Bernardo, Los Angeles, Riverside, Venture, or Orange County, you need to come to us. It is one of the best services that we offer at Aluminum Welding.