Mig Welding
GMAW - MIG Welding
Over the years welding has contributed a lot to maintenance as well as creating new structures. With so many options and alternatives, welding has been our handy repair man, providing with well-needed services over the years. There are many ways that consider using different methodologies to create an arc to weld and MIG welding is no different. MIG welding has been around for decades and is famous for having many names, such as Gas Metal Arc or GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding. In its most basic terms, GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding makes use of an arc welding process. In this process, a solid wire electrode is made to go through the welding gun and into the welding pool, this electrode acts as the connector, joining the materials together.
The Uniqueness of Gas Metal Arc Welding
However, three things are absolutely necessary when it comes to MIG welding. One, being sufficient electric supply which can be
used to produce heat. Second, an electrode that can aid in filling the joint. Third, a gas that will act as a shield, to protect the weld against external substances, such as air. An operator is assigned to control the amount of weld that is being done,
alongside the functioning of the operator, an electrode is constantly being fed to complete its end of the bargain. MIG welding is unique in its nature when compared to other welding methodologies.
While MIG Welding some variables are to be considered that do not require much attention in other types of welding, which are;
- A standard voltage type
- A standard polarity type
Contrast
Similar to that of a car battery the Direct Current or D/C being provided is used in the same way for MIG welding. The flow of direct current only occurs in one particular direction, which is from the negative end to the positive one. D/C electrode is (+) positive, meaning a standard polarity is being maintained. This hints that the handle is the positive side of the circuit. In other words, it can be described as the flow of electricity from the metal into the welding handle. The electrode wire is used for MIG welding does not combat dust, oil, and rust unlike Stick and Flux-Cored electrodes, who contain a higher amount of special additives. Hence when welding, the aficionados have to consider the surface conditions as well as account for the contaminants the surface might possess.
Functionality
What’s more, the functioning of MIG welding focuses on the wire being used as an electrode. The type of metal being welded determines which wire is best suited to weld it. Other factors that need significant attention or consideration are the type of transfer, a position to be welded, and resistance to abrasion. When talking about typical electrode wires, they have a thickness ranging from anywhere between .023 to .045. Argon, Carbon Dioxide and Helium are mostly used as shielding gasses. They are mixed together in specific ratios to form a mixture that can act as the shield during the welding process, the ratio depends on the metal being welded. There are many other aspects that are to be considered when MIG Welding and hence its complexity adds to its hype while getting the job done. Check out our other Welding Services!