A Comprehensive Comparison between TIG and MIG Welding

26 May 2021

Welding is a popular fabrication process wherein two or more parts are combined through heat, pressure, or both before letting them cool. This fabrication process has been utilised for joining metals like aluminium, mild steel, and stainless steel, thermoplastics, and even wood.

The heat source of the welding process typically comes from an arc flame that is generated by electricity. Alternatively, a filler metal is placed so that it can melt into the weld through the welding gun. The weld’s durability and longevity must then be protected from surrounding elements. And to successfully protect the weld, a shielding gas is incorporated into the molten weld pool through the torch.

There are numerous types of welding that are being used today. Two of these are Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding and Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding. TIG welding is an arc welding process that uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode in processing a workpiece and generating the weld. The MIG welding, alternatively, is a welding process that maximises a consumable MIG wire electrode in fusing workpieces. The following are some of the most common differences between the two.

Welding Procedures

One of the most notable differences between TIG and MIG welding is their welding procedures. Welders who practice TIG welding have to feed a filler material into the weld with one of their hands, while their other hand is intended for the operation of the torch. Welders who perform MIG welding, on the other hand, can continuously feed the wire electrode into the spool gun easily. The procedures involved in TIG welding make it much more difficult for welders who are still new to the industry.

Metal Specifications

Another area where TIG and MIG welding differs is the type of metals that they can process. MIG welding can be very effective in processing most types of metals that are used in different industries. Metals such as aluminium, stainless steel, and mild steel can all be processed with this type of welding. Even thicker metals can be readily processed with MIG welding. TIG welding can also work with these metal types. However, it is more effective when processing thinner gauge parts and thinner metal materials.

Welding Speed

Generally, TIG welding is known for its slow processes. However, it is guaranteed to provide a much more accurate and higher level of details. The only possible downside with this slow processing speed of TIG welding is that it cannot be utilised for large projects. MIG welding, alternatively, can produce welds faster than TIG welding. And with its fast operations, it can be great for large projects that require high production rates. MIG welding can likewise work on huge projects that involve thick metals.

Operational Costs

TIG welding can be delicate in terms of its processing speed and attention to details, which is why it is often much more expensive compared to MIG welding. MIG welding can easily process different metals at faster rates. And even with the high setup costs of MIG welding, it is still cheaper in the long run.

To know more about TIG and MIG welding, just give us a call at Sharp Welding and Crane Hire.