Non-welders don’t realize how complex welding is. In fact, when you check out these guides and tips, you’ll see that there are various methods and materials to choose from and match according to what a particular project dictates.
Getting one of these elements wrong can risk the integrity of the finished product. For instance, TIG and MIG welding has many contrasting factors that you might want to consider before determining which one to apply to your project.
TIG vs. MIG Welding
Metal Inert Gas (or MIG) and Tungsten Inert Gas (or TIG) welding are two processes that help put things together using welding machines. They are different in so many ways, but the following are the most notable ones:
Welding Method
Both TIG and MIG welding are types of arc welding, but that doesn’t mean they have the same method. After all, they have different methods of using the arc to weld.
For MIG welding, there is a feed that courses through the welding gun to produce the spark used for welding. On the other hand, TIG welding uses a non-consumable electrode, so it needs a separate medium to melt and fuse metal objects.
Adaptability
Another similarity between TIG and MIG welding is that they both offer diversity. However, the aspects where they can be adaptable differ.
You can use TIG welding on more types of metals compared to MIG. The problem is, the thickness of the material can significantly impact its effectiveness.
Meanwhile, MIG welding can work on all thicknesses, from sheet metal to structural plates, but you can only use it on a limited number of metals, such as aluminum, steel, and stainless steel.
Speed vs. Detail
TIG welding is the method to apply if you want a slower process with better accuracy, especially on a project that has a lot of smaller details. On the other hand, MIG welding will prove to be the better choice if you intend on working faster and more efficiently, especially during extended periods. This is also one reason MIG welding is typically used by businesses such as those with industrial-scale operations.
Cost
Another reason is the cost of the equipment itself. Since the MIG gun works faster, you can get more work done within a short period. Time equals money, after all. They are also easier to maintain, especially since their parts easier to procure and cheaper than TIG parts.
Ease of Use
There is a significant difference between the difficulty level of applying the two methods. TIG welding requires a technique that utilizes both of your hands and one foot. On the contrary, MIG welding only requires one hand to hold the gun. Hence, it’s called the “glue gun” of welding.
TIG welding techniques also require some training to perfect it while learning MIG welding takes merely a few weeks.
Other Types of Welding Methods
Now, to add to the things that you need to consider, you might want to look into the following types of welding methods as well:
Friction Welding
This method joins two materials together by melting materials (both base and bonding) through mechanical friction. This type of welding is typically used for thermoplastics and metals.
Electron Beam Welding
As the name suggests, this method uses a beam of electrons to melt your materials and weld them together. You usually use this technique for thicker projects.
Laser Welding
This uses a laser to melt and weld different materials together. It is one of the fastest methods of welding and typically used for large-scale operations.
Resistance Welding
This method uses the heat generated between electrodes or rotating mechanisms in order to weld materials together.
Every main welding method can be broken down into subtypes, much like TIG and MIG welding are both subtypes of arc welding and others more. It really is interesting to think about how many methods are currently available in welding metals and other materials together.
If you prefer not to purchase pieces of equipment for welding items at home or you simply find welding overwhelming, you can opt to seek assistance from welding professionals instead. Houzz has an excellent list that you can filter according to your location, budget, and project type.
Conclusion
It is easy to confuse welding terms, especially if you’re still new to the craft. In a nutshell, though, just remember that the main difference between TIG and MIG welding is their method.
MIG welding uses a handheld tool with a fed medium you can use to weld objects together. On the flip side, TIG welding requires a separate medium to fuse materials.
There are also other types of welding methods that you can consider if you feel that neither of the two applies to your particular project. Finally, you can always hire welding services for projects that require a significant investment in equipment or those that are beyond your skill level.
