| Aspect | Gas Metal Arc Welding (MIG) | Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (TIG) |
|---|---|---|
| Process | Uses a consumable wire electrode fed through a welding gun | Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and filler rod |
| Shielding Gas | Uses a shielding gas (typically a mix of argon and CO2) | Uses pure argon or a mix of argon and helium |
| Speed | Generally faster due to continuous wire feed | Slower due to manual feeding of filler rod |
| Ease of Use | Easier to learn and operate | More difficult to master, requires skill and practice |
| Weld Quality | Generally good for thicker materials, less clean welds | Excellent for thin materials, produces clean welds |
| Applications | Ideal for automotive, construction, and general fabrication | Ideal for aerospace, automotive, and precision welding |
| Material Thickness | Suitable for thicker materials (1 mm and up) | Suitable for thin materials (0.5 mm and up) |
| Heat Affected Zone (HAZ) | Larger HAZ due to higher heat input | Smaller HAZ due to precise heat control |
| Welding Positions | Suitable for all positions | Suitable for all positions |
| Cost | Generally lower cost due to faster welding speeds | Higher cost due to equipment and gas requirements |
| Versatility | Less versatile in welding different metals and thicknesses | More versatile, can weld various metals and thicknesses |
Conclusion: MIG welding is faster and easier to learn, suitable for thicker materials, while TIG welding offers superior weld quality, especially for thin materials, with precise control over the weld pool.