Welcome to the exciting world of one of the most popular welding methods – MIG/MAG! Through shielded metal arc welding in the presence of inert or active gases (MAG), endless possibilities will open up for you!
Let your welding reach a masterful level – regardless of the material or welding position. With the MIG/MAG method, the quality of the weld will always be top-notch. And that’s just the beginning!
Increase your efficiency, automate processes, and acquire new skills. MIG/MAG welding is a perfect combination of simplicity and versatility. Don’t wait – it’s time to take action!
Discover the advantages that attract professionals from all over the world:
- Excellent weld quality without compromises,
- Freedom to weld in any position – no limitations,
- Versatility – weld various material groups effortlessly,
- Efficiency – achieve more in less time.
Prepare for an exciting journey into the world of MIG/MAG welding – enjoy excellent welds and success in your industry! Remember to use the appropriate safety measures to make your work comfortable and safe.
Immerse yourself in the passion of MIG/MAG welding – it’s your path to perfect welds and fulfillment in both industry and the workshop!
MIG/MAG welding, or shielded metal arc welding in the presence of inert gases (MIG, 131) or active gases (MAG, 135), is one of the most common welding methods. The abbreviated names come from the English language and stand for MIG – Metal Inert Gas and MAG – Metal Active Gas, respectively. Inert gases such as pure argon or mixtures of inert gases are used as shielding gases in the case of MIG welding, while active gases are typically pure carbon dioxide (CO2) or gas mixtures like the popular Ar/CO2 M21 blend. The terms MIG and MAG signify the type of shielding gases used in the method, while the overarching term is GMAW, or Gas Metal Arc Welding.
That’s enough about the commonly used terminology of the method. In the following part of the text, we will delve into basic information about the method itself. The method found its application in the industry in the early 1950s, initially only utilizing inert shielding gases. The introduction of deoxidizing elements into the electrode wire allowed for welding in the presence of active gases.
Significant attention is given to gases because the shielding gas has a significant impact on the welding process, influencing parameters such as arc behavior, mechanical and chemical properties of the weld, bead shape, and penetration depth, among others. Regarding safety considerations, although the shielding gas itself is typically not harmful to the welder’s health, specialized welding fume extraction systems and personal protective equipment should be used, and the workspace should be properly ventilated. Vapors produced during welding can be harmful to health, and the gases in gas mixtures may displace oxygen from the workspace.
The welding process and operation principle The GMAW process involves melting material with the heat of the welding arc, which occurs between the consumable electrode and the workpiece. During welding, a weld pool forms, consisting of a mixture of molten metal from the electrode and the workpiece, and it solidifies to create a weld bead as the torch is moved. The entire process takes place in the presence of shielding gas, which ensures proper protection of the weld pool and its optimal behavior.
The welding wire, which serves a dual purpose as both the electrode and additional filler material, is typically wound on standardized spools of various masses, ranging from D100, D200, to D300, depending on the type of wire. The wire composition should closely match the base material. Wire diameters generally range from 0.6mm to 1.6mm.
For MIG/MAG welding, welding power sources known as welding semi-automatics or colloquially as “migomats” are used. We will discuss the detailed construction of MIG/MAG devices in a separate text. For the purposes of this article, we assume that a popular migomat is composed of the following elements: the welding power source, the wire feeder, the work cable (welding torch holder), and the ground cable.
During welding, the welding wire is fed smoothly into the welding torch holder through the wire feeding mechanism. The end of the wire passes through the current tip at the end of the torch holder and melts in the glowing arc between the wire and the workpiece. The molten metal from the electrode wire and the molten edges of the workpieces blend to create a weld pool, which, upon solidification, forms the weld bead. Different torch handling techniques are employed depending on the type of weld and welding position. The number of weld “passes” is determined by the material thickness and the chosen methodology.
MIG/MAG Welding
Advantages and disadvantages of MIG/MAG welding MIG/MAG welding is one of the most widely used methods. It is commonly employed for welding in home workshops, industrial settings, and the field. The MAG method is suitable for welding various types of steel structures, while the MIG method is used for welding aluminum components and materials made of stainless or acid-resistant steel.
Advantages of the method:
- High process efficiency,
- Good weld quality,
- Potential for robotic automation,
- Ability to weld in all positions,
- Capability to weld different material groups with appropriate equipment,
- Relatively straightforward to master at a basic level.
Disadvantages of the method:
- Weld spatter is produced during welding, especially in the presence of carbon dioxide shielding gas (MAG),
- For manual welding, the quality of the welded joint depends heavily on the welder’s skills,
- There is a tendency for weld spatter to adhere to welded joints,
- Challenging for field welding – requires wind shielding.
We encourage you to explore the extraordinary world of MIG/MAG welding – open the door to perfect welds and acquire new skills! Remember to prioritize safety and proper preparation, and success will be within your reach.
