Before we go any deeper, let’s watch the YouTube video on what is MIG welding. Then we will talk about it in details.
I believe, after watching the video, you should not have any trouble understanding what is MIG welding, right? In the U.S.A. it is mostly known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) as well. But it generally stands for Metal Inert Gas (MIG).
It is also called semiautomatic welding process because the wire is continuously fed from the spool.
Where MIG Welding Apply Mostly?
- Automotive repair: Large, small, light or heavy vehicles.
- Robotics Industry.
- Construction Industry like bridge construction.
- And so many other sectors.
Safety Guidelines for MIG Welding
- Make sure your welding helmet is working properly prior to starting working.
- The ventilation system should be as per the OSHA standards.
- Make sure to wear protective cloth and eyewear. Wear leather gloves and boots as well.
- Ensure the safe storage of flammable gases and liquids. Regularly check for gas leaks.
- Keep the welding machine in a dry location and keep the working space always clean and free of clutter.
Advantages of MIG Welding
- Wide application areas with high productivity. The welding process cost is very low in comparison with other welding methods.
- If you can select the right equipment with proper parameters, welding can be done in all positions. You can’t have this feature in submerged arc welding.
- The rate of defects occurrence is very low since MIG welding uses the continuously fed electrode without repeated starts and stops.
- If you need deep weld penetration for certain applications, MIG welding is second to none because of its small weld sizes.
- Post-weld clean up is very minimal in MIG welding because of the absence of heavy slag.
- The deposition rate of weld metal and the speed of the welding is very high than another stick welding.
- No matter whether you need to weld thick or thin material, MIG welding has a wide selection of filler metal compositions and diameters.
- Very low fumes in comparison with flux cored welding and stick welding.
- MIG welding is very much easy to operate and almost everyone can do it with minimal training.
Limitations of MIG Welding
While the benefits of MIG welding are widely varied and there are a lot of small MIG welders, there are some inherent limitations of it as well. Here are some limitations that you need to be aware of:
- While Stick Welding is very much portable, MIG welding is not. You can’t move it freely to change working locations easily.
- The equipment of MIG welding is also very costly and a little bit complex as well.
- The outdoor application is very much limited.
- High levels of radiated heat and light.
- If the base metal is not clean and rust free, MIG welding can’t perform well.
- Not ideal for thick metal steel because it can’t get proper penetration.
Conclusion
In a very short way, I have tried to explain the main concepts of MIG welding. I believe you have found the explainer video on MIG welding highly useful, right? If you find this article useful, please share it with your friends and families.