MIG welding and TIG welding are two different welding methods that are used for metal fabrication. MIG welding is characterized by its arc- welding process where a consumable electrode is welded to the workpiece, while TIG welding uses a tungsten electrode in a gas-shielded arc process.

MIG welding has mainly been used for welding thin steel plates, while TIG welding is more commonly employed for welding thick sections of metal. Read on to find out the main difference between MIG and TIG welding and when to use each one for the best results!

MIG Process

MIG welding is an effective way to join two pieces of metal together. The process uses a continuous solid wire electrode that is heated and fed into the weld pool from a welding gun. This melts the two base materials together, forming a strong join.

TIG Process

In the TIG welding process, the arc is formed between a pointed tungsten electrode and the workpiece in an inert atmosphere of argon or helium. The small intense arc provided by the pointed electrode is ideal for high-quality and precise welding.

MIG welds metals together at lower temperatures than TIG welds do, making it better suited for applications where limited heat exposure is necessary or when the workpiece needs to be protected from oxidation.

MIG vs. TIG Welding

Welding is a process that joins metal together by heating it to a high temperature and then welding the metal together. MIG welding is used for small welds, such as in the fabrication of pipes or vessels.

TIG welding, on the other hand, is used for larger welds that need to be welded together quickly.

• Weld Strength

Welding strength is directly related to the amount of heat used. High-heat welds are stronger than low-heat welds, and MIG welding uses lower amperage while TIG welding uses higher amperage.

• Weld Speed

Welding is an essential process that helps us connect metal pieces. There are two main types of welding – MIG welding and TIG welding- the former uses a metal arc while the latter utilizes high-frequency electricity to weld metals together.

MIG welding is usually used for delicate work, while TIG welding is better suited for heavier tasks. TIG welds are also faster than MIG welds but use more energy in the process.

• Welding Gas

As welding gas, MIG welding uses Argon while TIG welding does not. While there are other gases used in both processes (CO2, CO), the main difference between them is that with MIG welding you use a lower gas pressure – this makes it easier to weld metal together.

Also, read What is Arc Welding? Everything You Need to Know

MIG welder salary can vary depending on your experience and location- for example, those located in high-pressure areas may receive higher salaries than those working inside weld shops where argon is more readily available.

On the whole, MIG welder positions seem to be growing quickly as technology advances and metal fabrication becomes increasingly complex.

• Weld Aesthetics

MIG welds use higher amperage, are better for thicker materials, and give a smoother finish than TIG welds.

TIG welders are usually better trained than MIG welders and can do more complex projects because they use arc welding instead of gas shielding; this results in less penetration for the filler material into the base metal.

TIG welding is more popular because it can work with high-temperature metals like stainless steel which other Welding processes can’t handle easily or at all.

• Weldable Metals

Weldable metals are a great choice for many projects, as they offer several benefits. TIG welding is perfect for producing strong and durable joints, while MIG welding can be used to weld metal that isn’t stainless steel or aluminum.

Knowledge of the metal you’re working with is essential when choosing between welds – knowing its properties will help you make an informed decision about which type of welding to use.

TIG Applications

Welders use different welding methods – arc welding, MIG welding, or TIG welding- to create welds in various materials.

TIG welders are now more commonly used than MIG welders because they offer faster speeds and greater reliability when working with high-temperature applications. TIG welder also can handle higher loads without succumbing to too much heat distortion.

Plasma torch MIG welder has become popular in recent times due to its versatility and ease of use for small-scale tasks such as spot welding.

MIG vs TIG – Weld Differences

For TIG welding, a vertical tungsten inert gas (TIG) rod is used to weld the two pieces of metal together at much higher temperatures than MIG welding can achieve. This is due to the tungsten inert gas’s ability to weld at much higher temperatures.

In most cases, TIG welding should be used for thicker materials while MIG welding should be used for lighter materials because of the differences in heat output achieved with each technique.

The main difference between these two types of welding is that TIG welding offers increased durability and precision over MIG welding. MIG welding is a process where a metal electrode is submerged in an arc of electricity.

When to Use TIG and MIG Welding

TIG welding and MIG welding are two of the most commonly used welding methods in welding. Here’s a quick breakdown of their differences:

• TIG welding is performed with an electric arc and is used for welding larger or more intricate welds.
• MIG welding is performed with a torch and is used for welding steel that is less durable or when a weld is required in a hurry.
• TIG welding is a type of welding that uses a torch to heat the metal to a very high temperature.
• It’s often used when structural steelwork is involved, as it offers greater durability than TIG welding.

Conclusion

Welding is an essential process that helps connect metal pieces. TIG welding is a process that uses a wire electrode that is gas-fired at a high temperature. This process creates a weld that is much stronger and more durable than a weld made with MIG welding.

I hope you have gained enough knowledge about the difference between MIG and TIG welding. Looking for your kind feedback!