MIG, TIG & Stick: What are the Different Types of Welding?
Welding equipment is needed in a variety of manufacturing purposes, including modifying metal components or machinery.
Car manufacturers, for example, have to use a variety of welding processes depending on components and material
Companies such as Miller, Lincoln, Hobart and ESAB are some of the biggest companies operating in the welding machine industry, making equipment like TIGs, MIGs and stick welders.
Manufacturing Digital has analysed some of the different types of welding machinery used in different industries and explained how they differ.
What do metal inert gas welders do?
Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding machines use a continuous solid wire electrode heated and fed into the weld pool.
MIGs can be used on a variety of products from aluminium to steel and are a common feature in automotive repair.
It is one of the most common forms of welding.
An example of a MIG welder is the Miller MigMatic 300iP Pulsed.
What do tungsten inert gas welders do?
According to Miller, tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode that delivers the current to the welding arc.
An inert gas, typically argon, protects and cools the tungsten and weld puddle.
Among other things TIG welding is suitable for stainless steels, aluminium and nickel alloys.
It is used in the aerospace industry, automotive industry and in medical equipment. An example of a TIG welder is the Lincoln Electric Square Wave TIG 200.
What do stick welders do?
According to The Welding Institute, Stick welding machines feature an electric arc welding process that uses a metal stick or rod as filler material.
These sticks are usually covered in a flux material and are available in different diameters and lengths.
The process is frequently used to weld steel and iron, in industries like shipbuilding and pipe construction.
Hobartâs Stickmate 160 is an example of a stick welder.
What do multi-process and flux-core welders do?
Multi-process welders are a broad welder that can switch between the previously mentioned MIG and TIG and stick welding. Some can switch to a variety of other welding techniques.
Hobartâs Multi-Handler 200 Multi-process Welder is an example of a multi-process welder. It handles MIG, Stick, DC TIG and flux-core.
Flux-core welding uses a continuous wire fed electrode and a constant-voltage welding power supply. It is commonly used in the construction industry.
What do engine driven welders do?
An engine-driven welder is a portable self-contained welding machine that combines a generator with a welding power source, often powered by an internal combustion engine.
An example of an engine driven welder is Lincolnâs Ranger Air, which is designed for truck operators.
It delivers five key functionalities: air compressor, generator, battery jump assist, battery charge, and multi-process welder.
Other welding methods
There are a variety of other welding processes and machines including metal active gas welding machines, which use similar equipment to flux-core welding machine, as well as atomic hydrogen welding machines and plasma arc welding machines.
From aircrafts to automotives, welding is used in a variety of manufacturing circumstances every day.
Ultimately, the choice of machine depends on environmental conditions, the metals in use and the required precision of the joint.
