Comparison

MIG and TIG welding – Comparison between two welding processes

By Ramakant SharmaMarch 17, 20192 min readinf
The comparison is between MIG and TIG welding which are two main types of welding. The term MIG is metal inert gas while TIG is tungsten inert gas. The both types of welding needed to join variety of shapes and material, We will learn the differences between the two as following:
1. The metal rod is used as electrode and work piece as another electrode in MIG while Tungsten rod is used as an electrode in TIG welding.
2. The MIG is gas shielded metal arc welding GMAW while TIG is gas shielded tungsten arc welding GTAW.
3. There is continuous feeding of electrode at a fast pace in MIG while welding rod ia slow feeding process in TIG welding process.
4. The welding area is flooded with inert gas which will not have any effect on the metal in MIG welding while gas used to protect the welded area is from the atmosphere in TIG welding.
5. The process of MIG welding can weld materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. The range in thickness can be welded from thin gauge sheet metal right up to heavier structural plate. The TIG welding process can weld articles like kitchen sinks, tool boxes and pipes welding by putting a an amount of pressure needed to weld.
6. The MIG requires consumable metallic electrode  while in TIG non consumable electrode like tungsten is used.
7. The electrode is feeded continuously by wire reel in MIG welding while in TIG welding continuous electrode feeding is not required.
8. DC current with reverse polarity is required in MIG while both AC and DC current is used in in TIG welding.
9. The filler matter is essential in MIG welding while in TIG it is not essential to use the filler matter.
10. The MIG can weld up to 40 mm of thickness while in TIG 5 mm is the limit.
11. The MIG is faster while TIG is slower comparative to MIG welding process.

For a full guide on choosing between the two, see TIG vs MIG welding: key differences and which to choose.

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Written by
Ramakant Sharma

CRAZY IN LOVE WITH WELDING. Ramakant has a diversified background with industrial experience in welding and production management. He holds a master's degree (M.Tech.) in metallurgy and welding technology from SLIET University. He has experience in a number of industries, including power generation, defense, construction, mining equipment, and heavy engineering fabrication. He holds the positions of welding engineer, quality and inspection officer as well as general management. He has written technical welding articles, contributed to the various welding committees. For the past eight years, Ramakant has been a technical consultant, trainer, and spokesperson for Cruxweld.