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MIG Welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a process developed in the 1940’s that is considered semi-automatic and requires electricity to produce heat, an electrode to fill the joint and a shielding gas to protect the weld from the air. A MIG welder utilizes a constant DC current while wire and gas are fed continuously through the welding gun and leads as the gun’s trigger is depressed. It is most commonly used in fabrication environments where production needs are high.
TIG Welding, also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is a manual welding process that requires the welder to use two hands. One hand holds the TIG torch that produces the arc and the other hand is used to add the filler metal to the weld joint. TIG Welding is the most difficult process to learn but is the most versatile. When done correctly, TIG Welding produces the highest quality weld. It is heavily utilized for critical weld joints, welding metals other than common steel and for where precise, small welds are required.
Stick Welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), is a manual process that is often used in high wind outdoor repair situations. It utilizes a power source connected to an electrode holder. Current passes through the leads to the electrode. Shielding gas is not needed for this process because the electrode is covered in flux which protects the arc during a weld.
Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) is very similar to MIG welding. The main difference is the filler metal is hollow and filled with flux, so a shielding gas is not required for this process. Flux cored welding is often used in high wind outdoor repair situations.