Welding is an art and a skill that is admired by many and practiced by few. With the advancements in the industry of welding over the past few years, many new methods of welding have been developed.
Two of the most commonly known welding techniques are TIG and MIG welding. Over the years, these two processes have gained prominence over other welding methods. In fact, in the U.
S. alone, TIG and MIG welding account for more than half of all welding activity.
In this article, let’s dive into the differences between TIG and MIG welding and find out what makes them stand out from one another.
What Is The Difference Between TIG And MIG Welding?
Welding is a process in which two pieces of metal are joined together by heating the surface to very high temperatures. There are different welding techniques available, and TIG and MIG welding are two of the most popular methods.Let us take a look at the differences between these two types of welding and see how they can be used in various projects.
TIG Welding
TIG welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is an electric welding process.It is widely used for welding aluminum and other non-ferrous metals. TIG welding involves the use of a non-consumable tungsten electrode to heat the metal and a separate filler metal (usually a rod or wire) to join the pieces together.
In this process, the tungsten electrode does not actually touch the base material, so the process is more precise than other welding methods.
MIG Welding
MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is an electric welding process which uses a consumable wire electrode and shielding gas to join the pieces together. Unlike TIG welding, in MIG welding, the wire electrode melts as it is passed along the joint line.This process allows for a faster welding process and it is much easier to learn than TIG welding.
Difference
The main difference between TIG and MIG welding is the type of electrode used. TIG welding uses a non-consumable electrode, while MIG welding uses a consumable wire electrode.TIG welding also requires more skill, as the welder needs to keep the tungsten electrode at the correct distance from the base material. In MIG welding, the welder does not need to maintain the same level of accuracy as with TIG welding, and the process can be done quickly.