Below specify definition of MIG welding along with its pros and cons. Read on and don’t hesitate to leave your viewpoints of this process.
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MIG welding (also, Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)) involves a process that takes advantage of a persistently fed solid electrode, shielding gas from an external supply, and electric power for melting the electrode and depositing this molten material in the welding joint. The equipment employed automatically regulates the electric characteristics of the arc. The welder is required of the only manual control (travel speed, travel direction and gun positioning). As far as appreciate equipment settings come, the power supply will give the needed amperage for melting the electrode at the required rate to maintain the pre-selected arc length (voltage). For instance, a higher stick-out resulted from drawing the torch back from the work piece leads to a decrease in current from the power source. That way maintains the similar electrode heating and returns the arc length to its pre-set condition. The selection of filler metal should be closely associated with the base material to be welded. Regarding MIG welding, the filler metal helps reinforce the completed welding joint aside from conducting current to the arc zone (and melting base metal and electrode as a result).
MIG welding can be employed on various metals, and base metals of numerous different thicknesses. Its successful application is related to the appropriate selection of:
- Electrode (composition, diameter, packaging)
- Shielding gas (type, purity, flow rate)
- Process variables (current, voltage, mode of metal transfer and travel speed)
- Equipment (power supply source, welding gun, wire feeder)
Why Use MIG Welding?
- MIG welding is a high-productivity, low-cost welding process
- It can be used for welding all types of metals and alloys commercially available
- Welding can work in all positions with right selection of equipment and parameters
- Using a persistently fed electrode maintains a high duty cycle and minimizes the defect occurrences
- In-depth weld penetration can be gained, which enables the employment of small weld sizes for equal weld strengths in some applications
- There requires minimal after-weld clean-up as a result of the absence of a slag cover on the weld bead
- Welding speeds and rates of weld metal deposition are higher than those got with stick welding
- Perfect for multi-pass welding (with appropriate filler metal selection)
- Less manual skill is required comparatively to stick welding
- Fume rates come at really low levels as compared to stick welding and flux cored welding
- Compositions and diameters of filler metal are widely selected for welding thick or thin material
- This process is perfect for mechanized welding.
- This process provides enhanced electrode deposition efficiency in comparison with stick welding and FCAW
- Welds of X-ray quality can be produced.
What are Downsides to MIG Welding?
- Weld equipment is considered more complex, more costly and less portable compared to stick welding
- It is difficult for the required welding torch to reach into the constricted areas. Plus, the good gas shielding is needed, which makes the torch be quite closer to the weld area.
- The welding arc with its gas shield is necessarily protected from drafts, which may cause the shielding to be blown away from the arc. This doesn’t facilitate the use of this process outdoors unless the protective shields are placed around the working area
- Pretty high levels of radiated heat and light might cause operator’s discomfort, initial resistance to the process
- Burn-through commonly occurs when welding especially thin materials (smaller than 1/16”)
- Pertaining to traditional transfer when welding out of position, rates of weld metal deposition are less than those obtained with flux cored welding
- This process fails to perform well in which base metal contamination is an issue. The base metal is required to be clean and rust-free
- Lacking in fusion defects may induce where process parameters are wrongly set. This is extremely critical when welding base metals are thicker than 1/4”
Are you finishing this read? What is your definition of MIG welding? Your opinions of its pros and cons?
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