MIG welding is an automatic or semi-automatic process that uses a wire electrode and an inert gas shield to join two pieces of metal. It is faster than traditional welding and can be used with a variety of metals. However, it requires complex equipment and a learning curve for the technique. It is commonly used in manufacturing, particularly in the automotive industry.
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, also sometimes called Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a process developed in the 1940s for welding aluminum and other nonferrous metals. MIG welding is an automatic or semi-automatic process in which a wire connected to a direct current source acts as an electrode to join two pieces of metal as it is continuously passed through a welding gun. Simultaneously with the wire electrode, a flow of an inert gas, originally argon, is also passed through the welding torch. This inert gas acts as a shield, keeping airborne contaminants away from the weld zone.
The main advantage of MIG welding is that it allows you to weld metal much faster than traditional “stick welding” techniques. This makes it ideal for welding softer metals such as aluminium. When this method was first developed, the cost of the inert gas made the process too expensive for welding steel. Over the years, however, the process has evolved and semi-inert gases such as carbon dioxide can now be used to provide the shielding function, which now makes MIG welding economical for welding steel.
In addition to providing the ability to weld non-ferrous metals, MIG welding has other benefits:
Produces long, continuous welds much faster than traditional welding methods.
Because the shielding gas protects the welding arc, this type of welding produces a clean weld with very little spatter.
It can be used with a wide variety of metals and alloys.
The main disadvantages of MIG welding include the following:
The equipment is quite complex, as MIG welding requires a constant current source, a constant gas source and flow, as well as a constantly moving electrode wire. Additionally, the electrodes come in a variety of sizes and are made from different types of metal to suit the welding application.
The actual technique used is different from traditional welding practices, so there is a learning curve associated with MIG welding, even for experienced welders. For example, MIG welders may need to push the weld puddle away from them and along the seam.
The need for the inert gas shield means that MIG welding cannot be used in an open area where wind could blow the gas shield away unless other precautions are taken to prevent this.
Since its development in the mid-20th century, MIG welding has become commonplace in many manufacturing operations. For example, it is commonly used in the automotive industry due to its ability to produce clean welds and the fact that it welds metals quickly.
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