The practical skill of welding is indeed a handy skill to have. When approaching a new project, for work or pleasure, strategy becomes important. How will you approach the task at hand?
Work begins only once have decided on the most appropriate method of welding. In order to make good decisions you must be well informed about the advantages and disadvantages of each method. Today we will take a closer look at MIG welding, its pros and its cons.
What is MIG welding?
Metal Inert Gas Welding (MIG) is a semi-autonomous process linked to arc welding and was developed in the 1940’s. During the length of the weld the MIG machine fills the joint you are busy with and so, while the welder still requires a certain level of competency in their handling of the machine, the machine itself actually helps to make the job slightly easier.
The process of MIG welding, also identified under the name Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMA/GMAW), offers its operator some obvious advantages and disadvantages, a comparison of MIG welding’s pros and cons may be helpful when deciding if it is the best option for you upcoming project. The use of MIG Welders is extensive as their operation is easy to learn and no specific skills are required, this makes them popular with beginners as well as people who are more advanced. A basic understanding of the process and a little bit of practice can produce a clean, good-looking weld.
Gas is moved through a welding cable and out the nozzle through which your welding wire is fed and creates a type of shield around the point of welding and this is why MIG welders are sometimes referred to as a wire-feed welder.
Pros
- MIG Welders offer a high rate of productivity, as it isn’t necessary to constantly stop all the time in order to clean the weld through the process of chipping and brushing. Such tends to be the case when you are preforming the process of stick welding. Your work time is left uninterrupted.
- Even a beginner will find that MIG Welders are easy-to-use and the afterwards cleaning mission is minimal.
- MIG Welders can be used to weld aluminium, stainless and mild steel.
- They offer the ability to weld in a variety of positions.
- The process of MIG welding produces fewer fumes than other methods such as TIG welding, beneficial to in the long run.
- Works well when used on thin materials.
Cons
- The setup and consumables, such as nozzles and tips, can become costly.
- Requires a large amount of shielding gas.
- The weld produced by MIG Welders can be adversely affected by paint, dirt and rust.
- No good for overhead or vertical welding.
- Does not work well with thicker material, thus limiting a MIG Welder’s potential usage.
MIG Welders are the most versatile of the differing welders on the market today. Often described as the most painless way of producing a weld. With some practice behind you, you will be able to produce a smooth and beautiful weld that even a professional will gaze upon with admiration.
Whether welding is your hobby or your trade, the skilled professionals at E-weld are here to help you navigate the industry and it’s relating products. At E-Weld you will find a large number of MIG Welders of varying amps and voltage, available to you for purchase. You can come to our premises located at Princess Square on the corner of Elsie and President Roads in Princess Roodepoort. Alternatively you can get in touch with us via e-mail at sales@e-weld.co.za or telephonically on +27 87 802 2122.