MIG

MIG Technique

MIG Resources
GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) welders including MIG (Metal Inert Gas) engineering resources and data sheets

MIG (GMAW) Engineering Resources

Shielding gases are important for MIG welding technique and are major factor in GMAW troubleshooting. MIG welders are equipped with flow meter and gas identification to prevent problems.

Gas Mixture			Characteristics	Uses
Carbon dioxide	Oxygen	Argon
		99.99	Limited penetration with a good surface finish Not recommended for welding carbon steels	Aluminium and non-ferrous materials
5	3	92	Active gas addition that produces a rapid freezing with low spatter levels for positional welding. medium penetration	Light medium steels, eg. motor vehicle repair, sheetmetal fabrications, light structural work
16	2.5	81.5	Produces a hot arc with deep penetration High deposition rates For welding medium to heavy steel section Medium spatter levels	Medium to heavy sections, for example heavy structural steels, earthmoving equipment and machine bases
23		77	A single active gas addition Hot arc with deep penetration Medium spatter levels For welding alloyed steels	Light to heavy sections, for example chrome, molybdenum steels, quench and tempered steels
100		99.99	Welding grade carbon dioxide gives a hot arc Deep penetration Because of levels and poor contour it is used where weld finishes are not critical For welding alloyed steels	Medium to heavy sections, for example all low carbon steels and carbon manganese steels

MIG (GMAW) Filter Lenses

All arc welding processes are dangerous. They emit infrared radiation and heat.

Gas metal arc welding process	Approx range of welding current	Recommended filter
Aluminium	250	12
Stainless steel	250 - 350	13
Other material	up to 150	10
Other material	150 - 250	11
Other material	250 - 300	12
Other material	300 - 400	13
Other material	over 400	14