MIG Welding Machines for Sale

Although similar in process, there are indeed differences between TIG and MIG welding, primarily in the output of the weld.

MIG welding can be more time and cost-effective, however, TIG welding produces a stronger weld output and offers greater weld precision.

Metal thicknesses offer another point of difference between each option – MIG welding is better suited to working with thicker materials, whilst TIG welding is used for welding thin materials.

MIG welding provides multiple advantages, the most significant of these being the speed of the welding processes. Unlike some other processes, MIG welding can provide shorter production times and, in turn, lower costs.

MIG welding equipment is relatively easy to learn and use, making it suitable for beginners and less experienced members of your workforce. The continuous wire feed and automatic control of the shielding gas simplify the welding process and can be used to cover a range of tasks.
MIG welding equipment can weld a wide variety of metals, including carbon steel and stainless steel, making them versatile tools for thicker materials, various applications and industries.

The use of inert shielding gas throughout the welding process assists in the production of clean welds with minimal spatter and slag, reducing the need for extensive post-weld cleaning.

Whilst MIG welding produces results quickly and efficiently, the finished weld joint is not as strong and accurate as other welding styles and is generally less aesthetically pleasing than other welding processes. Due to the need for a gas supply throughout the process, MIG welding equipment can be less portable than other alternatives.

MIG welding isn’t ideally suited for welding thin metals, which benefit from the precision and accuracy offered by TIG welding, or short runs – the continuously fed wire utilised throughout the MIG process means that it’s better suited to longer runs.

Outputs of the MIG welding process offer less attractive welding methods than some alternatives, which must be weighed against the speed and ease of learning also offered by an MIG welding machine.

1. Welding Torch/Gun: The welding torch, or gun, is the part of the MIG welder that the worker holds and manipulates. It contains the metal welding wire electrode, which is fed through it continuously during the weld process. The gun also delivers the shielding gas to the weld area to protect the molten weld pool from contamination.
2. Wire Feed System: The wire feed system continuously supplies the wire electrode from a spool to the gun. This constant voltage power supply ensures that the welder has a steady supply of the wire needed to successfully create the weld.
3. Power Supply: The power supply provides the electrical current needed to create the electric arc between the electrode and the workpiece. A MIG welder will typically use direct current (DC) with a constant voltage power source.
4. Shielding Gas: Usually a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, this is essential for protecting the weld pool from any contamination. This gas is stored in a cylinder and fed through the welding gun to the weld area.

In comparison to some other welding machinery, MIG welders are often considered somewhat easier to master and so are a great choice for beginners or less experienced staff. With no foot pedal to master and the automatic feed of the continuous solid wire electrode through the welding torch, workers require only one hand to complete the weld. The automatic feed of filler material into the weld pool allows workers to move the weld puddle faster without overheating the equipment.

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas – only inert gases or gas mixtures are used for the shielding gas when MIG welding. Whilst the gas itself can vary with each use case, commonly used inert gases in MIG welding are argon and helium. These gases are usually used for welding aluminium and other non-ferrous metals.