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What Is MIG Welding?

Posted on April-04-2025

If you are new to your welding career or far into it, understanding the use of a MIG welder is vital for making your welding day much more manageable. This equipment is a machine using a process called metal inert gas. This technique for welders is great for both beginners and those experienced in the field. This process has been used severely since 1948. You may also hear other references for this machine, such as gas metal arc welding, short circuit welding, and spray arc welding.

How Does MIG Welding Work?

MIG welding, short for Metal Inert Gas welding, is a process where a wire electrode is continuously fed through a welding gun while an electric arc melts the wire and base metal, creating a weld. At the same time, a shielding gas (typically argon or carbon dioxide) flows out to protect the weld from contamination in the air.

The wire acts as both the filler material and the electrode, making the process fast and relatively easy to learn. It’s widely used in everything from automotive repairs to metal fabrication because it produces clean welds with minimal clean-up.

Man in welding suit.

What Is It Commonly Used For?

Being a welder can come with several different techniques with use for multiple equipment to achieve the desired result. For MIG Welding, this equipment is used in a wide variety of settings, such as homes, automotive work, construction, manufacturing, and sculptures. Here is a list of uses for a few of those categories:

 

Home

  • Building furniture (metal frames, tables, shelves)
  • Fixing gates, fences, and trailers
  • Making grills, brackets, or custom tools
     

Mig for home use is great because of its easy use and it doesn’t need a ton of setup.

 

Automotive

  • Repairing car panels and frames
  • Exhaust systems
  • Roll cages and custom bodywork
     

MIG is a great machine for automotive needs as it’s great for thin sheet metal and gives smooth, clean welds.

 

Manufacturing

  • Mass production of metal parts
  • Robotics, farming equipment, HVAC systems
     

MIG machinery is ideal for high-volume welding jobs.

 

Advantages of MIG Welding

For MIG Welders, it is important to save for most equipment to ensure you get value for money. This equipment can require an initial investment, but ultimately, it really does give welders great value for money and ensures your work can be efficient and reliable.

Mig welding is a fast process, making your tasks streamlined without the need for stopping and starting large machinery. Following the benefit of saving time, they cause little to no need for a post-use clean-up – they don’t use heavy flux or create a mess.

One of the key efficiency advantages of MIG welding is that it virtually eliminates electrode waste. In contrast to stick welding, where a portion of each electrode remains unused and must be discarded (known as stub loss), MIG welding uses a continuously-fed wire that is consumed entirely during the welding process. This means nearly all of your electrode material goes directly into the weld, maximising usage and reducing cost.

 

Trusted Welding Equipment Suppliers – Arc Welding

At Arc Welding, we offer a range of services tailored to welders looking to buy OR hire their own equipment. Equally, you can also look into new or used equipment based on your preferences and budget. 

We encourage any new or experienced welders to invest in high quality and modern equipment and our MIG’s are a great example of that! We pride ourself on customer service and tailored advice for your needs!

Contact Arc Welding today for professional answers to all your queries. 

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