Jun 10

UNDERSTANDING GMAW/MIG-MAG WELDING: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), often collectively referred to as MIG-MAG welding, is a widely used welding process in which a welding arc forms when the welding gun connects the power source to the workpiece and the feeding welding wire. This process is highly versatile and can be used on a variety of metals, including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel.

Applications of MIG-MAG welding:

  • Steel Fabrication and Manufacturing: MIG-MAG welding is widely used to assemble steel beams, frames, and complicated steel structures as it is a quick and efficient way to produce high-quality welds.
  • Automation and Mechanization: Widely used within the automotive industry to assemble car bodies, MIG-MAG is a great way to weld thin sheets and complex structures made of steel, aluminum, and light alloy.
  • Shipbuilding: Another sector where MIG-MAG flourishes is shipbuilding, as it offers a quick and high-quality weld of hulls and other superstructures made of steel, aluminum, and alloy.

Advantages of MIG-MAG welding:

  • Quality of weld: The quality of weld produced during MIG-MAG is great which results in high-quality and great-looking welds consistently.
  • Versatility: Versatility is what makes MIG-MAG a top choice for welders as it can be performed on various materials like steel, aluminum, iron, magnesium, etc. that are semi or fully automatic.
  • Beginner-Friendly: Because of its short learning curve, MIG-MAG is one of the first welding methods that welders learn. It is simple to learn, especially for those who have little to no welding experience.
  • Weld Splatter: MIG-MAG produces minimal weld splatter, which can be easily removed.

Disadvantages of MIG-MAG welding:

  • High Setup Cost: The setup cost for MIG-MAG welding is significantly higher due to the incorporation of components such as shielding gas, replacement parts, and nozzles.
  • Not suitable for outdoors: Due to the use of shielding gas, MIG-MAG cannot be performed outdoors due to changing temperatures and a windy atmosphere. This puts the weld’s purity at stake too.
  • Limited positions: Overhead and/or vertical welding positions would not be possible with MIG-MAG, resulting in limited flexibility.
  • Not suitable for thicker metals: Due to its immense heat input, MIG-MAG welding is not the best option for thicker metals.

How Remove The Fume can help

While MIG-MAG welding can be challenging, Remove The Fume offers a wide range of equipment that can be used to tackle harmful fumes, gases, and vapors released during the welding process.

One thing that makes us stand out is that we also offer custom solutions tailored to your needs and requirements. You can either contact us at +1 800 465 0327 or email us at info@removethefume.com to learn more about our products and offerings.