What Is the Difference between MIG and TIG Welding?
If you have two pieces of metal that you need to join together permanently, welding is the accepted process. Yet there are different ways to approach this task, and it's easy to become confused when confronted with the various terminology. For example, what is the difference between MIG and TIG welding, and which approach should you choose?
Inert Gas
Both of these different welding techniques use an inert gas to help them heat and fuse the relevant pieces of metal together. The first technique features a metal, consumable wire, while the second relies on tungsten gas instead. These may appear similar from a broader perspective, but one is far more suited to different types of metal than the other.
Consumable Rods
MIG welders will use a continuous feed of metal, and this will blend in between the major components in order to create the perfect bond. Both of the procedures use an electrical arc to generate the right amount of heat and feature an inert gas so that the welding electrode attaches correctly.
Gas Blends
The type of gas blend is different for each procedure, however, as it will affect the character of the electrical arc and, consequently, the efficiency of the eventual weld. The MIG approach uses a less inert gas than TIG, and the latter will typically feature helium or argon instead.
Byproduct
MIG welding techniques may produce a certain amount of 'spatter,' where the weld itself may contaminate surrounding surfaces. This is difficult to avoid when using a consumable rod, and you may need to polish the surrounding surface once work has been finished.
Thinner Matters
Usually, TIG welders do not use a consumable rod but simply bind the two primary surfaces together. Consequently, each surface needs to be heated sufficiently and, therefore, TIG welding is best suited for thinner metal objects.
Precision
If you want high precision and the job is particularly complex, you may want to choose TIG welding. This is often performed by CNC welding machines, as this makes it much easier to replicate and may produce a more precise job.
In Summary
All this work is best left to experts, who can either do your job manually or set it up on the relevant machine as needed. In summary, MIG welding is more suited for heavy-duty work with larger pieces, while TIG welding is more suited for higher levels of precision and lighter metals. For more information, speak with welders.