Differences Between TIG Welding and MIG Welding

While TIG welding and MIG welding are the two most common types of arc welding techniques used, there are times when one type of welding will work better than the other. Getting to know the differences between TIG welding and MIG welding will help you determine which technique will work best for your unique project requirements. The professional team from LWS Manufacturing & Welding offers both MIG and TIG welding services and we are always available to answer any questions you might have about our welding services.

What is TIG Welding?

TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding is a type of welding process in which a non-consumable tungsten electrode runs a current through the metals that are being joined together. During the welding process, the tungsten electrode is held in a collet inside of the welding torch and is kept about an eighth of an inch away from the metal in order to ensure that the arc is constantly forming the weld puddle. Rather than using a metal filler like MIG welding does, the tungsten electrode used in TIG welding is able to heat the metal to a higher temperature, allowing the metals to directly fuse to one another.

What is MIG Welding?

MIG (metal inert gas) welding is a type of welding process in which the welding arc melts a consumable wire with an electrode in order to create a filler for joining two pieces of metal together. During this welding process, the consumable wire is constantly fed into the weld pool in order to build up the weld to meet the exact specifications required for the project. MIG welding also requires the use of a shielding gas, most commonly carbon dioxide, to help produce a clean weld. Compared to TIG welding, MIG welding tends to be faster and easier to control.

TIG Welding vs MIG Welding

MIG and TIG welding have many similarities; however, they also have some important differences, such as the type of shielding gases used, the speed of the welding application, and precision. While both MIG and TIG welding require shielding gases, the type of gas used will vary for each welding process. In most cases, carbon dioxide will be used in MIG welding applications while TIG welding almost always uses 100% argon gas. It is also important to keep in mind that the speed at which the work can be completed will depend on the welding process being used. TIG welding tends to be a slower method as it requires the continual manual application of the welding rod, whereas MIG welding can create a weld bead at a rapid pace.

If you would like to learn more about the differences between TIG welding and MIG welding, or if you are interested in one of our welding services, please contact LWS Manufacturing & Welding at 604-854-1277 or by filling out a contact form on our website.