We have discussed the TIG welding and the MIG welding processes in the previous article. Now it’s time to compare the major differences between these two processes to differentiate the use of these two distinctive welding processes. One of the common aspects of these welding processes is that they both are Electric arc welding. Under the Arc welding process, they are further classified into different types. Let us write down the differences between the two welding processes(TIG Welding vs MIG welding).
Tungsten Inert gas Welding(TIG) and Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) are electric arc welding processes where they use electrode, filler material shielding gas to perform the welding operation. The shielding gas is to avoid oxidization from the surrounding environment. Filler materials join the two base metals together to form the weld.
Tungsten Inert gas Welding(TIG) welding needs a separate filler material whereas the Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) will utilize the electrode as the filler material.
Let us compare more differences between these two welding processes and choose the suitable one for you.
Differences between TIG Welding and MIG Welding
TIG Welding
TIG welding full form is Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
TIG welding is also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
TIG welding uses a non-consumable Electrode.
TIG welding needs additional filler material for welding.
Shielding gas needs to be supplied around the electrode in order to avoid oxidization from the surrounding atmosphere.
Shielding gases used for the TIG welding process are Argon, Helium, and helium/argon mixtures.
TIG Welding is complex and needs a skilled welder to perform the welding job.
TIG welding produces fine and cleaner weldments compared to MIG welding.
Applications: TIG welding is used in the Aerospace industry, Marine and bicycle industry, Piping systems, and Repair work for tools and dies that are made of aluminum Magnesium.
Advantages of TIG Welding are
- It offers Greater control of welding operating
- Clean and aesthetically pleasing welds
- Produce strong welds as parent material strength
Disadvantages of TIG Welding Operating are
- Complex process
- Slow when compared to MIG welding
- Require highly skilled Welder
- Takes longer lead times and greater production costs
Read the full article about TIG welding here!
MIG Welding
MIG Welding full form is Metal Inert gas welding.
MIG Welding is also known as Metal Active Gas Welding (MAG) both known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
MIG welding uses the consumable electrode.
MIG welding does not need any filler material since the electrode is the filler material.
Shielding gas needs to be supplied around the electrode in order to avoid oxidization from the surrounding atmosphere.
Shielding gases used for the MIG welding process are Argon, Carbon dioxide, oxygen, and a special mixture of gases with helium.
MIG welding is simple and does not need a highly skilled welder to perform the welding job.
MIG welding also produces comparatively less clean weldments than TIG welding.
Applications: Automotive Industry, repair works of the automobile exhausts, All the sheet metals welding done with the MIG welding. The piping system also uses MIG welding.
Advantages of MIG welding are
- Much Faster, leads to shorter lead times, low production costs
- Can join many types of metals
- Less skilled welders are sufficient
- Equipment is available for an affordable cost
- Electrode efficiencies are higher
- MIG welding is excellent for tack and spot welds
- Can weld in may all positions
Disadvantages of MIG Welding are
- Not Precise weldment when compared to TIG welding process
- MIG welding is limited to the indoors, since wind is an effecting factor for this welding process.
Read the full article about MIG welding here!
These are the differences of TIG Welding vs MIG welding. Let us know which welding process is suitable for your application.
