What Is The Difference Between MIG and TIG Welding?
I am here today to spread insight into the most popular welding method called TIG and MIG welding so that you can learn which one suits your job.
One of the most common issues that craftsmen and DIYers will face is whether to go for MIG welding or TIG welding. A wrong tool can lead you to a horrible welding project.
If you are in the welded market and you seemingly can’t fix your mind about which one to purchase, this writing will help you.
The main text is divided into three parts dealing with the comparison of features, components, advantages, and disadvantages between MIG and TIG welding.
So, without any further ado, let’s gouge deeper on what is the difference between MIG and TIG welding.
The Difference in Features between MIG and TIG Welding
Let’s clear up a little bit of terminology about MIG and TIG welding to avoid ongoing confusion. MIG welding stands for Metal Inert Gas welding, which is also referred to as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).
TIG welding refers to tungsten inert gas welding, which is also referred to as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW).
If your mind is stuck between MIG, and TIG welder, there are certain features that are specific to MIG and TIG welder for consideration. Read the following text to learn more about them.
Technique
If you want to know what’s the main difference between MIG and TIG welding, look at the technique behind it.
A MIG welding uses a process that uses a metallic wire electrode that is fed continuously through welder to make the weld. The weld helps to join two materials when cooling down.
A TIG welding requires a separate filler rod to feed through the spool gun to create a weld that helps to clasp two metals together.
Control
If you are a beginner and not enough experience, it’s an important thing for you to know which one is easier to handle.
The method of MIG welding doesn’t require to hold any torch and it keeps feeding wire, so it’s a much easier tool to deal with.
When you use the TIG method, you need to hold the welding torch in one hand, and with the other hand, you have to hold the filler material. So, it becomes difficult for a beginner to balance two work metals together at once.
Object Thickness
Determine what type of metals you need to weld often for your job. If you choose welder depending on the job, it will make your task easy and effective.
So, if you are planning to join a thick cut board with heavy metal, know that MIG can weld thicker workpieces faster than a TIG welder. This process is idle for various metal fabricators that serve in heavy fabrication equipment, steel stores, and on the highway.
However, if your job requires thin workpieces, using TIG weld is a better option for you. It’s so suitable if the metal you’re using is thin.
Are you a person who has an interest in art and sculpture? Well if that is the matter, TIG welding will work better for you as it deals better with thinner gauge materials and provides a high-detailed finishing.
Speed
Holding welder and waiting for a long time can make your job tiresome.
In this case, MIG weld is ideal for projects that expect higher production. It works much faster for it’s continuously feeding method.
On the other hand, though TIG is a slower method, it is able to deliver a higher level of detailed work.
Expenses
TIG and MIG, both welding process requires an external shielding gas. So, expenses are quite the same. However, if I still compare, TIG is a more expensive process than MIG as it works slowly and demands more power supply and gas to complete a task.
Appearance
If you are a person who keeps the beauty first in mind, know that TIG welding is clean and beautiful. Often TIG welder is used for artistic and decorative purposes for its attractive appearance.
MIG weld also is known for its unique design and different useful types of equipment.
General Overview
An answer to what is the size of your project can make it easy for you to decide which weld is better for you. MIG welding works generously with larger projects and thick metals that need effective, fast and longer runs.
On the other hand, TIG welding is more suitable for thinner metals and smaller projects. It’s a precise tool that gives a clean and spatters free finishing.
The Difference in Components between MIG and TIG Welding
If you are still confused and want to know more, read the following difference of components between MIG and TIG.
Power
The power supply source that MIG use is usually DC with a constant voltage.
The source of TIG can be AC or DC. AC works better for metal like aluminum. However, if you use the source of DC at TIG welder, it will provide a strong arc.
Torch
A MIG torch can be air-cooled or water-cooled. They are used to cool the nozzle by gas going through. Air-cooled torches are idle for lighter welding projects and water-cool torches are better for heavy jobs.
A TIG torch has a variety of designs. They have shut “Off” and “On” switch and control option to manage foot paddle and handle.
Gas Shielding
MIG welding uses a mixture of 75% argon and 25% CO2 for mild steel, titanium, aluminum, and alloy metals.
It also uses Helium for all-purpose of steel. To weld low alloy metals, it uses 100% Carbon Dioxide but it increased spatter.
TIG welding requires a gas flame or an electric arc, ab electric shaft or a laser and ultrasound.
TIG welding uses Gas Tungsten Arc welding for its work to heat the filler metal. They usually use Argon and Carbon Dioxide as shielding gas
Gas Shielding
MIG welding uses a mixture of 75% argon and 25% CO2 for mild steel, titanium, aluminum, and alloy metals.
It also uses Helium for all-purpose of steel. To weld low alloy metals, it uses 100% Carbon Dioxide but it increased spatter.
TIG welding requires a gas flame or an electric arc, ab electric shaft or a laser and ultrasound.
TIG welding uses Gas Tungsten Arc welding for its work to heat the filler metal. They usually use Argon and Carbon Dioxide as shielding gas
Difference between MIG and TIG Advantages and Disadvantages
The MIG and TIG welder are one of the best welding models that are available in the market. Both of them have their own pros, cons and uniqueness. So, if you are confused with which welding machine you should pick for working with, chill out and read forward.
The MIG and TIG welder are one of the best welding models that are available in the market. Both of them have their own pros, cons and uniqueness. So, if you are confused with which welding machine you should pick for working with, chill out and read forward.
Difference between MIG and TIG Advantages and Disadvantages
✅ Advantages of Mig welding
- Adv 1 – It's faster and gives a high-quality weld.
- Adv 2 – You will get about spatter-free weld.
- Adv 3 – It's versatile and very easy to handle
- Adv 4 – Suitable for big projects and heavy works.
- Adv 5 – It can perform its procedure in both semi or fully automated ways.
- Adv 6 – The trigger allows to start and stop the weld.
❌ Disadvantages of Mig Welding
- Dis adv 1 – It can work with some limited types of materials.
- Dis adv 2 – It cools so fast, so beginners find it hard to manage.
- Dis adv 3 – Not idle for very thin or very thick metals.
- Dis adv 4 – It's not strong enough to work in cast iron.
- Dis adv 5 – It's too powerful to work in thin aluminum.
TIG Advantages and Disadvantages
✅ Advantages of Tig welding
- Adv 1 – You will get very high and pleasing welds.
- Adv 2 – It provides high aesthetic welds.
- Adv 3 – Recommended for sculpture, arts and automotive.
- Adv 4 – It gives spatter free welding to your job.
❌ Disadvantages of Tig Welding
- Dis adv 1 – It requires high patience as it works slowly.
- Dis adv 2 – It doesn't work well in rough work areas.
- Dis adv 3 – It's better for experienced.
- Dis adv 4 – Don't work well in thick metals.
- Dis adv 5 – It's more difficult to handle than other welding processes.
Final Words:
Nothing is as necessary as selecting the right tools in welding if you want a perfect job. MIG and TIG, both welders are widely used for joining a variety of material. So, If you don’t have a clear idea about their features, components and the pros and cons, it’s confusing to conclude which one is better for you. Here I discuss briefly what is the difference between MIG and TIG welding. I hope it will make you painless to decide as much as possible.