What is MIG Welding: Advantages And Disadvantages

For novice welders, MIG welding is incredibly versatile, quick, and easy, but it does have a high setup cost, isn't appropriate for windy conditions, and is prone to burn-throughs. Metals are joined using the MIG welding process, which involves a continuous wire feed. It is one of the most common types of welding process since it is simple to learn and results in high-quality welds.

In this post, we'll examine what MIG welding is and its process, along with some of the benefits and drawbacks of MIG welding in more detail.

What are The Advantages Of MIG Welding?

A. Versatility

One of the most adaptable welding techniques is MIG welding, which can be used on several materials such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, magnesium, and aluminum and can be done semi- or fully autonomously.

B. Speed Of Weld

Even for novice welders, MIG welding is usually faster than other welding procedures. The solution to this is concealed by pulse-on-pulse technology and continuous feed wire. MIG is one of the simplest and quickest welding procedures to learn and use since the electrode is delivered to the weld using a welding machine or a spool-gun MIG torch.

C. Beginner-Friendly

The MIG torch's simplicity of use and automated functions, along with its short learning curve, make it one of the first welding procedures that beginners learn. These elements free them from dealing with the technicalities of welding equipment so they can concentrate on learning to weld.

D. Quality Of Weld

Excellent visibility of the weld pool and the straightforward welding process will allow you to produce consistently good-looking welds. Due to its high degree of predictability, MIG is now among the most widely utilized welding techniques.

E. In-Line Welding

A quick welding procedure like MIG is your go-to option when long welds with increased strength and aesthetic appearance are required. Thanks to continuous wire feeding, you can deposit more welding material more quickly than with any other technique.

F. Less Stop-Start Activity

When using MIG welding, you can constantly weld without pausing or restarting, which is impossible with other welding procedures like stick welding.

G. Improved Output

 Including speed, long-pass welds, and fewer stops, MIG welding is typically more productive than the stick or TIG welding. Applications include:

• Manufacturing machinery and equipment.
• The fabrication of pipelines and vessels.
• Steel structures with increased productivity.

Read More: MIG vs Stick vs TIG Welding Process

H. Thorough Penetration

With the proper amperage settings, MIG welding can generate welds on various materials, including aluminum, stainless steel, and magnesium.

I. Clean Method

MIG welding is a cleaner process than other welding techniques like stick welding. This is because it uses a shielding gas to protect the arc and prevent flux from contaminating the weld. After a quick clean-up, you may concentrate on the upcoming welding work without worrying about the slag removal required for stick welding.

J. Lack Of Stub End Losses

A small bit of electrode wire is wasted at the beginning and end of each weld when stick welding. This stub end loss can account for up to one-third of the electrode wire used. As a result, welding with MIG results in significant cost savings because there are no stub end losses and little need for unnecessary downtime to replace them.

What are The Disadvantages Of MIG Welding?

Although using MIG for your welding projects provides many benefits, you should also be aware of a few drawbacks.

A. The Cost Of Setup Is Higher

Comparatively speaking, high-quality MIG welding machines are more expensive. Additionally, you may perform other tasks like inert tungsten gas (TIG) welding, stick welding, and even plasma cutting with most high-end MIG welding machines.

B. Undercutting And Burn-Throughs

Due to their consistent voltage output, MIG welding machines are prone to burn-throughs and undercutting. When welding thin materials, burn-through refers to the surface of the substance being penetrated. An unmelted welding electrodes results from undercutting, which happens when tungsten is improperly insulated from the purge gas. Although they could happen on both sides, undercuts are often visible on the material's bottom.

C. Disturbances And Hot Spots

MIG uses a constant voltage output, so there are no hot spots on your welds caused by output fluctuations. This may cause the welding puddle to warp, deform, or even crack.

D. Not The Best In Windy Conditions

For MIG welding to generate a uniform and smooth weld, continuous gas flow is necessary. Wind, rain, and other unfavorable weather conditions can obstruct gas flow and compromise the quality of your MIG welding work. Stick or flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is the most suitable option.

E. Regular Gas Changes Are Necessary

You must often switch the shielding gas while welding with MIG because it uses a continuous wire feed, which increases the risk of the weld pool becoming contaminated. This is another factor in the high price of MIG equipment.

F. Fewer Positions

Due to the fluidity of the welding puddle and the high heat input of a MIG welder, vertical or overhead welding is impossible. This may not be a huge concern for you if none of the above roles are necessary for your welding.

G. Additional Upkeep Is Necessary

You will need to carry out certain routine maintenance procedures because the MIG welding machine is more complicated than other types, such as a stick welder. This includes cleaning the gun, inspecting the wire spool, changing the gas, and replacing the contact tips and nozzles.

H. Quick Weld Pool Cooling

Welds produce thicker and wider weld beads because they cool quickly during welding since they are clean and slag-free. As a result, the wire feed speed will need to be increased, which also causes excessive spatter, a major source of weld contamination.

I. Unsuitable For Thick Metals

MIG welding can be used on thin materials, but because of the tremendous heat input, you cannot use it on thicker metals. Consider alternatives like FCAW, submerged arc welding (SAW), or GTAW if you need to weld thick metals.

That was all about the MIG welding. We hope you know the advantages and disadvantages of MIG welding.