The Basic difference between MIG and TIG welding is that one uses a consumable wire electrode (MIG) and the other (TIG) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. In the MIG welding process, an electric arc is produced between consumable wire electrodes and workpiece metals. And in the TIG welding process, the electric arc is produced between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and workpiece metals. The heat generated by the arc is used to melt the metals and forms weld. Here we will discuss all the major differences between MIG and TIG Welding.
Difference Between MIG and TIG Welding
| S.no | MIG Welding | TIG welding |
| 1. | MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas Welding. It is also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), and Metal Active Gas Welding (MAG). | TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas Welding. It is also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). |
| 2. | It is a welding process in which an electric arc is formed in between a consumable wire Electrode and workpiece metal(s). | It is a process in which an electric arc is formed in between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and workpiece metal(s) |
| 3. | The type of electrode used is consumable wire electrodes. | The type of electrode used is a non-consumable tungsten electrode. |
| 4. | Most commonly it uses constant voltage, direct current power source for the welding. It can also use a constant current system and alternating current. | It uses a constant-current welding power supply for the welding. |
| 5. | The materials which it can weld are aluminum, non-ferrous materials, and steel. | It is most commonly used to weld stainless steel and non-ferrous metals like aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloys. |
| 6. | High skilled operator is not required to perform the MIG welding process. | A highly skilled operator is required to perform the TIG welding process. |
| 7. | It has a high weld deposition rate. | It has a low weld deposition rate as compared with MIG welding. |
| 8. | No filler metal is required. The feed electrode wire melts and acts as filler metal. | It may require filler metal from outside in some cases if needed. |
| 9. | It can weld thick metal sheets upto 40 mm. | It can weld thin metal sheets upto 5 mm. |
| 10. | It produces less quality of weld as compared with TIG. | It produces high-quality weld because it affords greater control over the weld area. |
| 11. | It uses a continuous wire feed. | It does not use continuous wire feed. |
| 12. | The equipment used in the MIG welding process is a welding gun, a welding power supply, a feed wire unit, a welding electrode wire, and a shielding gas supply. | The equipment used in the TIG welding process is a welding torch, a non-consumable tungsten electrode, a constant-current welding power supply, and a shielding gas source. |
| 13. | It is a faster welding process. | It is a slower welding process. |
| 14. | In this welding process, the use of filler metal is compulsory. | However, in this welding process, the filler metals may or may not be used. There is no compulsion to use filler metals, it is used when required. |
| 15. | It cannot work in any position. | It can be worked in any position. |
Conclusion
Here we have learned all the major difference between MIG and TIG welding. If you have any queries regarding this article then comment us. And if you like this article, then don’t forget to like and share it on social networks.
