What is TIG welding?
Long rods are used in tungsten inert gas welding to directly fuse two metals together.
What is MIG welding?
Metal inert gas welding employs a feed wire that runs continuously through the gun to generate the spark, which then melts to produce the weld.
MIG vs TIG
To generate the weld, they both employ an electric arc. The way the arc is employed differs between the two.
TIG Advantages
Tungsten inert gas is necessary when detail and aesthetics are important, especially on smaller objects and thinner metals, and is best utilised when the size of the beads must be minimised. The electrode and filler metal are delivered individually in tungsten inert gas, giving the welder better control over the gun and allowing the welder to regulate the temperature of the arc, preventing metal damage. Tungsten inert gas welding is more ecologically friendly and cleaner since it emits less emissions. It can also endure heavy impact and high temperatures, making it strong and durable.
MIG Advantages
Metal inert gas welding may weld metals of any thickness, whereas tungsten inert gas is restricted. Metal inert gas welding is a considerably faster technique than tungsten inert gas welding and may be utilised for longer periods of time. Metal inert gas is less expensive than tungsten inert gas, and metal inert gas parts are typically more readily accessible; moreover, metal inert gas is cost-effective due to its speed. Metal inert gas welding is considerably easier to master and is better suited to novices since it only requires a trigger and a steady hand, whereas tungsten inert gas welding is a lot more sophisticated method.
Can you TIG weld without gas?
Tungsten inert gas welding is impossible without gas because it protects the electrode and weld pool from oxygen.
Equipment required for TIG torch welding
- Tungsten electrode
- Welding gun
- Torch or electrode holder
- Shielding gas
- Filler metal rod
- Personal safety equipment
Equipment required for MIG torch welding
- Gas tank
- Welding gun
- Ground clamp
- Personal safety equipment
- Electrode metal wiring
TIG welding gun parts
- Torch body/head
- Collet body
- Collet
- Gas lens body
- Ceramic cup
- Tungsten welding electrodes
- Back cap
MIG welding gun parts
- Liner
- Swan Neck
- Neck liner
- Nozzle/shroud
- Contact tip
Are all TIG guns universal?
The majority of tungsten inert gas torches are universal.
Do I need a water cooled or air cooled TIG torch?
Water cooling is required for larger, more powerful torches. Smaller weapons, on the other hand, can be either water or air cooled. Water cooled welders are chosen for prolonged use since they are compact, controllable, and generate high amp (500) welds. Air cooled guns have a greater temperature and require longer to cool; they are not as light or compact, but they create less amps (200).
TIG torch consumables setup
There are two configurations available: gas lens and collet body. When precise or improved gas coverage is required for high quality integrity welding, a gas lens is the best option. In smaller work areas, greater vision of the weld pool is required; a gas lens allows you to expand the tungsten stick-out. There is less gas coverage in the collet body, and there is also higher gas turbulence.
MIG torch consumables setup
There are three types of contact tips: normal, high duty, and silver plated. Silver plated provides the longest life service of the three choices, while standard has the shortest. There are also three nozzle/shroud options: conical, tapered, and cylindrical.