What Is MIG Welding?
Metal inert gas (MIG) welding is a gas-shielded arc welding technique where an electric arc is created to weld metals. This process uses inert gases such as argon or helium as shield gases, which protect the welding area from atmospheric oxygen and prevent adverse reactions during the welding process.
Uses of MIG Welding
Widely used in various industries, MIG welding is particularly effective for welding reactive metals like aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Its ability to shield the weld area from air makes it ideal for welding non-ferrous metals. MIG welding is valued for its clean finish and fast welding speed, making it suitable for projects with many welding points or those requiring rapid completion. This method is efficient for large-scale welding operations.
Principles of MIG Welding
In MIG welding, an arc discharge is generated between the electrode and the metal workpiece, creating temperatures of 5,000 to 20,000 degrees to melt various materials for welding. The use of inert gas ensures that no chemical reactions occur between the gas and the component, resulting in a clean weld finish. However, MIG welding typically has weaker joint strength compared to MAG welding due to the spread of the arc discharge, leading to shallower penetration.
The electrode in MIG welding melts during the process and is continuously supplied by an automatic feeding mechanism, obviating the need for manual electrode replacement. Different types of electrodes, including plated or flux-containing ones, are used depending on the specific welding requirements.