Since the last century, welding technology has come a long way. During the 20th- century, stick welders began using AC power to charge and operate welders.
But with the passage of time, as electrical technology improved, an amazing welding process was introduced called MIG welding.MIG welders work by using electricity to melt and join pieces of metal.
It uses plenty of electric power to build an electrical arc between an electrode and the metal that is getting welded. The arc helps the wire to get melted after that, which is placed to create the weld.
The weld pool starts to cool down when you remove the heat and form a new fused metal. A fuel-filer nozzle continuously feeds electrode wire and immobile shielding gas to the weld, and a MIG torch and a handheld device do all these.
Advantages of MIG Welding
MIG welding is far easier compared to other welding methods, especially another popular one – TIG welding. Let’s get to know what are the main advantages of MIG welding:
- The process of MIG welding is quite user-friendly compared to other welding methods.
- MIG is usually much faster than those, and it’s much better for larger jobs that need long-pass welds. MIG welding is much more effective with thicker metals.
- MIG welders will cost you a lot less than TIG welders.
- It is more accurate than others, and its simultaneous nature will reduce the possibility of flawed welds. For longer production runs, it’s the best choice.
- The process is a lot cleaner and requires almost zero post-weld cleanings.
Disadvantages of MIG Welding
There are not many disadvantages of MIG welding, to be told; however, there are a few. Such as, you will be able to use MIG welding only on thin metals or medium-thick metals.
- At times, using inert gas can make this welding difficult to move from one place to another as it asks for an external supply of shielding gas.
- Some customers have complained that it is a bit sloppier and hard to control compared to traditional TIG welding.
What Can You Weld With A MIG Welder?
This welding process is perfect for welding in a closed environment where there’s less possibility of being disrupted by the wind. It’s perfect for a lower volume of work and mainly manual welding that can be done while staying inside the metal workshops.
General Purpose
MIG welding can come in handy for weekend projects in the garage or garden shed for beginner welders looking for good welding capability without the stepper learning curve of TIG.
Automotive Industry:
Almost all motor vehicles require welding to join metals. MIG is the best option for joining dissimilar metals. MIG welding provides a super-strong bond even between thinner metals; it’s perfect for joining sheets of aluminum.
It is a cost-effective process in the car manufacturing industry with an excellent performance record. MIG welding has widely been used in this industry, and it will be continued unless technologies change radically.
Construction and Infrastructure
The main aim of the MIG welding method was to join non-ferrous metals such as aluminum. In the construction industry, workers mostly get to work with steel, and the MIG welding method has been proven to be quite useful for such works.
Welding has enormous demand in the construction of commercial and residential buildings, as over 50% of the steel produced globally is used in this sector.
Besides building, MIG welding is also popular for repairing damaged machines or broken tools.
Manufacturing
MIG welding has been used in the construction of Railroads for a long time. Steel rails were launched about 100 years ago, and since then, welding has become a significant way of joining these rails. MIG welding is still mostly used in constructing railroads.
Shipping
It’s almost impossible to imagine the shipping industry without welding technology. Starting from cruise liners to tankers to cargo ships, welding technology has been playing a major role in constructing these ships.
Since WWII, in speed and economy, welding has been like the NOS booster. As with the construction industry, welding is also prime for repairing all kinds of ships.
What Can You Weld With A MIG Welder?
Now, before you think of getting a MIG welder for your next project, consider the following factors carefully.
Adjustable Gas Cylinder
When buying your MIG welder, the most important thing to consider is ensuring it can hook up a gas cylinder. It’s more important to achieve the basic skills of operating a MIG welder than choosing the right brand.
Flux Core Welding
You will find some MIG welders on the market with only a flux core welding wire. The issue with this type is that the flux coat makes a slag coating on the weld that must be removed because it doesn’t use a shielding gas.
High Duty Cycle
When you weld for a long time at high amperage, you would want to ensure that your welder has a high-duty cycle. It’s very important to notice the duty cycle of a welder before buying. Otherwise, you will have a hard time dealing with thick metals.
110 Volt Vs. 220 Volt
Before buying a MIG welder, you want to ensure it has the proper electric outlets installed. What we found fascinating about the 110 V MIG welder is that you can plug it into a household with a 110 V outlet.
It’s not that you need only 110 Volts for this purpose; welders like Hobart Handler 140 with 115 Volts can do the same, as well.
However, there’s a downside to it. As this welder is limited to the amperage with a 110 V outlet, this one will do just fine if the metal you want to weld is no thicker than 1/8″ in a single pass.
In case you need to weld ½” thick metal in one pass, then you are going to need a 220-volt welder.
Final Words
MIG welding is one of the most commonly accepted welding methods for several reasons. Firstly, it’s easy and comfortable to use a procedure, which makes it easier for beginners to operate.
This method is not only simple but also very efficient, fast, and cost-effective. That’s all for today, folks. See you next time. May the force be with you.