MIG welding, which stands for Metal Inert Gas Welding, is a process through which over 200,000 tons of welded materials are produced annually in the United States alone! It is a type of welding procedure that has gained increasing popularity in recent years due to its efficiency and simplicity. Primarily used in the construction of objects with thin and light gauge steel, MIG welders allow for a durable finish that goes beyond your standard screws and nails.
Thanks to its applications in the world of small to large-scale manufacturing, there has been a 110% increase in the demand for MIG welds since the year 2000. With this article, let us take a deep dive and learn all about the MIG welding process and its advantages.
What is MIG Welding?
MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a type of welding process, used to weld metals, such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. MIG welding is an effective and reliable method of welding and is commonly used in a variety of industries and applications.In the MIG welding process, an electric arc is used to provide heat for the welding process. A consumable electrode wire and a protective gas are also used, which provide protection from oxidation and other contaminants in the atmosphere.
Advantages of MIG Welding
MIG welding has many advantages, including:- Speed: MIG welding can be much faster than other forms of welding. This is because there is no need to prepare a joint, as the electrode wire is pushed through the gap between two pieces of metal using an electric current.– Versatility: MIG welding can be used to weld a variety of metals, such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel. – Easy to learn: MIG welding is relatively simple to learn and can be used in a variety of welding applications. – Quality: MIG welding produces a clean, consistent weld and is often used in fabrication and manufacturing.
Disadvantages of MIG Welding
MIG welding also has a few drawbacks, including:- Cost: MIG welding is a relatively expensive welding process, compared to other types of welding. – Risk of burns: The use of electric arc and the heat generated during the welding process pose a risk of burns to the operator. – Hazardous Fumes: MIG welding releases many hazardous fumes and gases, which can be dangerous for the operator’s health.These need to be controlled and filtered properly to ensure safety.
Conclusion
MIG welding is an efficient, reliable and versatile welding process, which is widely used in different industries and applications for welding metals, such as steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.Although MIG welding has some drawbacks, such as high cost and the risk of burns, it can be beneficial and cost effective in the long run, depending on the application and the material being welded. Citation URL: https://www. sciencing. com/what-is-mig-welding-1278225htmlhttps://www. lincolnelectric. com/en-us/support/pages/lincoln-electric-advantages-of-mig-welding. aspxhttps://www. millerwelds. com/resources/for-beginners/mig-welding-basicshttps://www. weldingservice. com/blog/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-mig-welding/