TIG is less aggressive and the use of filler material is optional, making it better for use on thin metals. MIG allows for better penetration on thicker materials from the combination of its shielding gas, power source and process.<\/p>\n
Let’s take a closer look at how two of the most common welding methods set each other apart.<\/p>\n
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- MIG welding is faster and easier to learn<\/strong>, boasts high production rates and is ideal for thicker materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- TIG welding offers higher precision<\/strong> and control, better for thin materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
- TIG welding generally produces cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing welds<\/strong>, making it suitable for projects requiring a refined finish, while MIG welds are often slightly less visually appealing.<\/li>\n
- MIG welding process uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode<\/strong>, while TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode<\/strong> with a separate filler metal.<\/li>\n <\/ul>\n <\/div>\n \n
MIG and TIG Welding Process Comparison<\/h2>\n
![\"TIG](\"https:\/\/fractory.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/06\/MIG-vs-TIG-welding-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nMIG welding<\/a> or gas metal arc welding (GMAW) uses a consumable electrode to weld two pieces of metal. TIG welding<\/a> or gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) is a type of electric welding that uses a non-consumable electrode to join workpieces. Both use electrical current to heat the weld area until it forms a molten metal joint.<\/p>\n
While MIG and TIG welding share a similar process, there are some key differences that make each unique.<\/p>\n
These subtle details have a major impact on the output of the weld when summed up.<\/p>\n
Electrode<\/h3>\n
The most observable difference between MIG and TIG welding is in its use of an electrode. MIG welding process uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode to join two pieces of metal. TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with a separate filler metal.<\/p>\n
While you can perform MIG welding using only one hand, TIG welding requires you to have your TIG torch in one hand and the filler material in the other.<\/p>\n
The hand-held filler rod is sometimes a nuisance for welders, but it offers greater control since you can precisely apply the filler material along the electric arc.<\/p>\n
Shielding Gas<\/h3>\n
TIG welding mostly uses pure argon or a blend with another non-reactive shielding gas, such as helium or nitrogen, in order to avoid contamination.<\/p>\n
MIG welders commonly use a blend of argon and carbon dioxide as it offers more penetration, which is better suited for thick materials.<\/p>\n
Another key difference between MIG and TIG welding is the rate at which it is expelled on the torch. A MIG welder typically runs its gas at 35 to 50 cubic feet per hour, while a TIG welding gun requires a gas flow at 15 to 25 cubic feet per hour.<\/p>\n
Welding Torch<\/h3>\n
The torch is a key component that contains the electrode and shielding gas. For MIG torches, the electrode is consumable, while TIG welders use a non-consumable electrode with the option of feeding a separate filler material.<\/p>\n
While MIG and TIG welding equipment can both use water and air-cooled torches, water-cooled torch is preferred for a TIG welder due to its potential higher temperatures.<\/p>\n
Power Source<\/h3>\n
A MIG welder uses a DC power source to create stability in the electric arc as well as to give enough penetration of the metals.<\/p>\n
TIG welders offer versatility to AC and DC power sources. The selection will vary depending on the metals to weld, the desired electric arc, and the amount of spatter in the weld pool.<\/p>\n
\n\n Scale Your Manufacturing from Prototyping to Series<\/span>\n\n- \n
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- TIG welding offers higher precision<\/strong> and control, better for thin materials<\/strong>.<\/li>\n