Selecting the right tool for any job is critical for an effective outcome. Not only the tools but also the process determines the quality. When it comes to welding, knowing the difference between Mig and Tig welding has significant importance.
Using the wrong welding process is never going to yield the desired results as welding jobs require precision and accuracy along with the right process. If you think a single welding process can be used for all welding tasks, good luck with that approach.
Mig and Tig are two different welding approaches that you must be aware of. Welding different metals require you to use different tools and procedures. Knowing the difference between Mig and Tig is important if you want to use the right technique.
Mig Vs Tig Welding: All things You Need to Know
How can you determine the right process for the specific metal? The selection depends upon many factors so, stay with us, and we are going to compare both welding processes and which one is best suited for your welding job.
Stick, Mig, and Tig have commonly used welding techniques, so we are going to compare Mig and Tig in this article. Both Mig and Tig techniques have some benefits, so learn the difference between Mig and Tig welding methods.
Mig Welding Machine
Mig or Metal Inert Gas welding machine is used for the process of arc welding. A continuous solid wire electrode is used in a Mig welding machine that is fed into the welding pool with the help of a welding gun.
The join is formed by melting two base metals. The welding gun feeds the shielding gas with the electrode so the join can be protected from the air contaminants. The machine was first time used in the USA in 1949.
Mig welding is a versatile welding technique that is suitable for both thick sections and thin sheets. Between the wire electrode end and the metal, the arc is struck that not only serves as the heat source but also melts both metals to form the joint.
This arc also fills the gap between both spaces. Shielding gas is used to protect the weld pool, and the gas is fed through the nozzle. Manual Mig welding is also called the semi-automatic welding method. Arc length and wire feed rate is controlled and monitored with the power source.
Types of Mig Welders
When it comes to welding with Mig welder, you will hear different names for this method where the process and the results slightly differ. While purchasing the Mig welding machine, you must be aware of the different types of Mig welders.
Without knowing the difference between Mig and Tig welders and their further types, you may not be able to make the right buying decision.
While buying the Mig welder, no matter what is the name of the Mig welder, it is still the Mig welder. Here are some common types of Mig welders:
- Mass metal arc welding
- Metal in gas
- Metal inert gas
- Gasless Mig welder
- Wire feed welder
In Mig welding, a wire can be used without shielding gas and this method is referred to as gas-less wire welding. Argon is the most commonly used shielding gas as it does not react with the Mig welding method.
These different types of Mig welders are used for diverse applications. All of these different types of Mig welders are used for both personal and professional applications. Mig welders are used in industries and personal garages too.
These Mig welders are applicable in every application. Meeting the power requirements of the different types of Mig welders is not difficult as you can easily use the welders almost anywhere.
It is a fact that the power requirements are higher than the standard outlet. The current and power requirements are higher as the device is activated. Make sure to maintain the appropriate power source for the use of Mig welders at the industrial levels.
Tig Welding Machine
Tungsten Inert Gas or Tig welding became an overnight successful welding technique in 1940. Tig was the replacement of Mig welding as the inert gas shielding was used as the replacement of the slag.
In the acceptance of the aluminum for the welding methods, Tig welding played a major role. Between the metal workplace and tungsten electrode, the arc is formed in the helium or argon atmosphere.
Tig is usually used for precise welding jobs, where accuracy is the ultimate goal. If you require the filler metal, the metal is added separately. To initiate the welding arc process, the surface is scratched in the form of a short circuit.
There are some situations where the stick may stick to the surface, and it will result in the inclusion of the Tungsten in the weld.
Types of Tig Welders
Different welding methods are being used since ancient times, but the methods and processes kept changing. The aim of the Tig welding method is to control the amount of heat applied to the metal.
There are different types of Tig welders that are classified on the basis of different electrodes used in the welding process. Here are some different types of electrodes used in the Tig welding machines:
- Ceriated electrodes
- Pure tungsten electrodes
- Thoriated electrodes
- Lanthanated electrodes
- Ziroconiated electrodes
- Rare-earth electrodes
Apart from the classification of the Mig welders on the basis of the electrodes, the Tig welders are classified into different types on the basis of the gases needed for the welding:
- Pure argon gas
- Argon gas mixture with helium
- Argon gas mixture with hydrogen
Tig welder is the more stabilized and accurate method when compared to the Mig welder. Tig welders produce relatively sophisticated and beautiful results.
The easy-to-use interface of the Tig welders makes it a superior choice by top brands. In industrial welding, the demand for Tig welders is increasing but using Tig welders requires more practice and expertise to produce the desired results for Tig welders.
With so many choices and options for the welding process, you have to be aware of the technical specifications of the Tig welders and other types of Tig welders.
Mig Vs Tig Welding: Face to Face Comparison
There are several welding processes that need to be differentiated on the basis of the gases used and the technique. To understand the difference between these two welding methods.
Moreover, you first need to understand what the similarities between these two welding methods are and what the differences between these two methods are.
Differences Between Mig and Tig Welding
- Mig welders use the consumable electrodes that are fed to the welding zone through the pool, while Tig welders use the non-consumable electrodes
- The electrode melts to provide the essential filler metal and fills the gap between two metal surfaces. In the Tig welding methods, the filler metal is provided with an additional arc rod
- Electrode metal composition is chosen on the basis of parent metal. Generally, the metallurgical composition is matched with the base metal. In Tig welding, Tungsten is always used as the electrode. Some portions of the alloying metals are added to the electrode for Tig welding.
- Mig welding is suitable for homogenous welding, and it cannot be used in the autogenous atmosphere. Tig welding is more suitable for autogenous welding mode, and it can be used for both modes by adding additional filler metals
- The filler electrode is generally used in large sizes, so it does not need a replacement for a long duration. Frequent replacement of the filler metal is required due to shorter lengths
- Mig welding is generally carried out in the DCEP or AC polarity so the electrodes can meltdown. Tig welding is carried out in DCEN or AC polarity for the long life of the electrodes
- Mig welding is the more productive welding method as the filler deposition rate is pretty high. Tig welding technique is less productive than Mig welding as the filler deposition rate is lower
- Mig welding technique creates spatter, and it results in the loss of costly metals. There is minimal or no spatter in the Tig welding method
- The results of the Mig welding are not that kind of sophisticated as you might expect from Tig welding
Similarities Between Mig and Tig Welders
- Both Mig and Tig welders are originally arc welding methods as an arc is constituted between the base plates and the electrode. Both Mig and Tig welding processes are said to be under the fusion welding techniques as the base metals are fused to form the joint.
- Bare electrodes are used in both welding processes. The nature of the electrode material can be different, but the main idea is the same throughout the processes.
- Shielding gas is required in both Mig and Tig welding processes, and inter shielding gas is used in both welding methods
- These methods can only be used to weld the conductive metals
Price Ranges of Mig and Tig Welding Machines
The price of both Mig and Tig and welding machines may vary depending upon the size and power of the machine. For personal use or any typical garage, you can get the Mig welding machine for under $1000.
The exact price can be different for different brands. This price range is not for heaving-duty machines and welders. A Mig welding machine under $1000 is packed with enough power to be used in any personal or professional projects except industrial applications.
Tig welding machines are comparatively expensive than Mig welding machines. The price of a professional Tig welding machine may vary from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars.
Copper wires are used in the manufacturing of the Tig welding machines, and the use of copper makes it an expensive welding machine. The costly copper is the major player in the pricing of the Tig welding machines.
Conclusion
Whether you want welding machines for professional, industrial, or personal use, knowing the difference between Mig and Tig welding machines is really important. Although the major difference is the application of the arc, there are many other differences between Mig and Tig machines.
Before buying any welding machine, check this informative article which shows the in-depth details. Eventually, invest some time in the research phase so you can make the best buying decision as per your requirements and needs.
From the price range of Mig and Tig machines, the use of filler metal, effectiveness, and productivity, there are a lot of factors that must be considered. So, if you are looking for cleaner welding results, you may choose the Tig machine, and a Mig welding machine may seem like a better choice if you want a cheaper welding machine.
Buying a welding machine is a big investment so put some time into researching the best options available in the market.