MIG Welding - Information:
Short for Metal Inert Gas Welding, this is the most commonly used out of each of the welding processes, due to its' simplicity and versatility.
It creates an arc at a direct point where Mig welding filling wire is being fed onto the applied material, whilst preventing the area from possible oxidisation through a special gas that is used to encompass the targeted area. The type of gas that is produced depends on the type of material that is used in the application, as well as the desired quality of the end result. |
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View the Powertec 300C |
MIG Protective Gas:
There are three different types of protective gas that can be used in the MIG Welding process, these are:
Pure Co2 |
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This particular type of gas is regarded as the most popular in terms of cost for MIG Welding application, although this gas does result in spatter and produce a rougher arc when compared to other protective gases. This gas is generally used where presentation and visual appeal aren't important for the end product. |
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| Pure Argon |
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This protective MIG welding gas is used specifically when MIG welding Aluminium. Aluminium is a particularly tough material to weld and is therefore usually undertaken by the most experienced of Mig Welders. |
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| A Combination of Argon and Co2 |
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The mixing of these two gases produces the most versatile MIG protective gas for MIG Welding applications. This is because it gains attributes from both gases, allowing it to be used for the welding of steel and stainless steel. This combination also produces a smoother arc that is ideal for MIG welding applications for thinner materials.
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When welding is required in windy conditions where gas is less effective, flux cored wires are used instead of them. This is similar to the likes of Arc Welding, except that the wire is constantly fed, rather than being applied with a treated rod.
Wire Application:
There are two different methods for the application of the wire to the material, these are:
| Dip transfer |
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Generally used at a low voltage setting, flux cored wire is directly fed into the weld pool in order to produce heat that will burn the excess wire up. It creates the characteristic crackling sound that is associated with MIG welding. This type of transfer provides certain advantages, such as the ability to weld in positional applications. |
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| Spray Transfer |
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This type of MIG welding transfer is used at a higher voltage setting and creates small amounts of welding substance at the targeted area of material. It provides much smoother arc characteristics that result in hardly any spatter, although they can't be utilised in position. |
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MIG Welding power sources are usually controlled and altered through steps where the voltage is changed instead of the current. The Arc current is dependant on both the voltage that is set as well as the diameter of the wire being used. The bigger the MIG welding wire, the more consistent the flow will be, resulting in more heat. Flux cored wire with a bigger diameter allow for more sizeable welds to be created.
