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Equipment guide
MIG vs TIG vs ARC Welding
What is the difference between MIG, TIG and ARC welding?
Answer
What is the difference between MIG, TIG and ARC welding?
Explanation
ARC (MMA)
Coated electrodes, no gas bottle, tolerant of wind and outdoor conditions. The weld needs cleaning afterwards. The practical choice for site repair and general steel.
Detail
MIG
Continuous wire feed with shielding gas. Fast, easier to learn, good on thinner material and volume work. The gas requirement limits it outdoors and on site.
Detail
TIG
Filler rod fed by hand with gas shielding. Slowest and most demanding of skill, and produces the cleanest weld. The process for stainless, aluminium and anything where the weld will be seen.
Detail
Choosing between them
Material first, then finish, then location. Most fabricators end up with more than one process, and start with ARC because it works everywhere.
Questions
Also asked
Which is easiest to learn?
MIG generally. TIG demands the most practice.
Can one machine do all three?
Multi-process machines exist. They suit workshops with varied work, and involve compromises against a dedicated machine for any one process.
Quotation
Ready to ask for a price?
Send the application, the material, the capacity if you know it, and the power available on site. Options come back with specification and current availability.
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