Comparing Welding Types: TIG vs. MIG vs. Stick vs. Arc

Today, there are several types of welding processes some of which are quite simple while others are somehow complicated. There are, however, four standard welding processes that every beginner welder should be aware of. These are;

Each of these processes have unique benefits and shortcomings, as there is nothing like” best process” and in addition to this,no single welding process can be suitable for all applications. As such, it is important for you to have a better understanding of these 4 processes to establish which one best suit your needs.

With that in mind, this article will equip you with a better understanding of these specific welding processes, how each process works, application of each process, and some of the advantages and disadvantages that come with each process. This will assist you in matching your needs to a specific process.

Let’s get started!

MIG Welding: An Overview of MIG Welding; How does it Work?

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding is a relatively simple process to learn and you will only require a short period of time to master the basic concepts. Ideally, the complex concepts of MIG largely involve setting the parameters of the welder and choosing the right shielding gas.

MIG uses a specialized gun to feed a line of electrodes at a constant, predetermined speed. This action creates an arc between the electrode and metal you want to weld, which melts the wire and fuses it with the base metal resulting into a strong weld.

This welding process also involves a shielding gas which protects the weld area from atmospheric contaminants such as Oxygen and Nitrogen which can damage the welding metal, the electrode or the arc if they come into contact.

Application of MIG Welding

MIG welding is a straightforward process which means that it can be applied in many situations and it can be used to weld thin and thick layers of metals.

Most MIG welders have a wide range of power output which enables you to regulate the amount of power so that you can work on thin metals without running the risk of a burn-through.

In the same way, you can increase the amount of power to enable you work on thick metals resulting into strong,great looking welds.

Benefits of MIG Welding

Downsides of MIG Welding

TIG Welding: An Overview of TIG welding; How does it Work?

TIG welding is also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW). This welding process is more sophisticated as compared to MIG. This welding process involves a TIG torch/gun that comes with a non-consumable tungsten electrode which is used to heat up the weld material resulting into a weld.

The ability to control the torch, using the right current and operating at the right speed is what is what makes this process physically demanding. This requires that you use both hands and a foot pedal which can sometimes be tricky but it produces precise welds when done correctly.

The ability to control the torch, using the right current and operating at the right speed is what is what makes this process physically demanding. This requires that you use both hands and a foot pedal which can sometimes be tricky but it produces precise welds when done correctly.

As mentioned earlier, the process involves a non-consumable electrode hence no feeding is involved and as a result, you don’t have to replace the electrode. You will only be required to refill the gas tank as a standard maintenance procedure.

Application of TIG Welding

TIG can be used to weldmany materials although it is limited to materials of certain thickness. It works perfectly on thin metal resulting into precise welds that require very minimal cleaning.

The tungsten electrode used in TIG welding is thinner than the ones used in other processes allowing you to come up with thin and precise welds.

This process works with many materials such as stainless steel, alloy steel and non-ferrous metals like magnesium, copper, and aluminum, but unfortunately, it does not work on cast iron.

TIG welding is the perfect choice for short-run technical welds as long runs projects tends to be more complicated and costly. So if your task involves something small like repairing a sink, you are better off with TIG. In addition to this, this process is preferred for most automotive projects and artwork like designing ornaments.

Benefits of TIG Welding

Downsides of TIG Welding

Stick Welding: An Overview of Stick Welding; How does it Work?

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) popularly known as stick welding has been practiced for many years and has been the most popular welding process for workshop and home-related welding projects.

It is a simple process that involves a consumable and flux coated electrode where the welding arc is created between the electrode and the working materials.  The power supplied heats up the electrode making it to melt, and that heat intensity is what join all the parts together. You will be required to replace the electrode frequently during the welding session.

The flux coating is disintegrated to surround the weld area which acts as a form of protection from contaminants, eliminating the need for inert gases.

Application of Stick Welding

Stick welding has wide application in the construction industry due to the nature of its strong welds. It works perfectly on thick materials including some of the materials that might prove impossible with other welding processes such as the cast iron.

It is also appropriate for other heavy-duty applications such as heavy repairs, heavy steel constructions,and pipes. It also works perfectly on most alloys and joints and the good thing is that this method can be used indoors or outdoors, in very unfavorable conditions, like strong wind.

As we mentioned earlier, stick welding is great for thick materials and it can weld metals of 1/16” or even more. As such it is a good choice for everyone from a DIYer for various maintenance chores to hobbyists.

Benefits of Stick Welding

Downsides of Stick Welding

Arc Welding: An Overview of Arc Welding; How does it Work?

The last welding process is the arc welding which is also known as flux-core welding. Arc welding is very similar to MIG welding in that both processes use a consumable electrode that requires to be fed constantly with wires in order for it to form a welding arc.

These two processes differs in that while the arc welding uses a flux core to produce the shielding gas,the  MIG uses an external gas source.

In addition, the arc welding features a concept known as dual-shielded welding which makes use of an external gas source to supplement the flux core forming a second shield.

Just like other processes that use a consumable electrode, you will have to change it every now and then and also you don’t have to refill the gas if you just intend to use single shielding.

Application of Arc Welding

Arc welding generates a lot of heat and as such, you should consider using it on thick and heavy materials that can withstand such heat without running the risk of a burn through

As such it is majorly used for heavy repair and machinery alongside other similar equipment such heavy steel construction.

Benefits of Arc Welding

Downsides of Arc Welding

In Conclusion….

Maybe you are asking yourself this question, “So which process do I use?”

Actually, well would say “it depends!”

If you need a process that is easy to learn and for doing bodywork then you are better off with MIG. TIG allows you to have better control and it produces aesthetically pleasing welds with great precision.

If you want to produce strong welds, then stick and arc welding will come in handy also allowing you to work in unfavorable conditions.

All in all, the final decision is yours to make but you may want to ensure that you go with a process that fits your needs the most.