THE PROCESS

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) / MAG (Metal Active Gas), uses an electric arc to fuse materials. In this method, a continuous solid wire electrode is continuously fed through a welding gun, which directs it into the molten weld pool. This technique effectively joins two base materials, creating a strong bond. MIG welding is often favoured for its versatility, speed, and relative ease of use. The shielding gas, typically composed of Argon or a mixture of Argon and Carbon Dioxide (CO2), protects the weld from atmospheric contaminants, preventing oxidation and ensuring a clean weld. Combining the solid wire electrode and the shielding gas makes MIG/MAG welding a popular choice for various applications, from industrial manufacturing to home projects, allowing for precise control and high-quality results in metal joining tasks.

Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) is a variation of MIG/MAG welding that can be used without an external shielding gas. In this process, flux-cored wire is used, which has a core of flux material that generates shielding gas as it melts during welding. This allows for welding in outdoor or windy conditions where traditional shielding gas might be blown away, making FCAW more versatile in certain environments. However, it can result in more spatter and slag that need to be cleaned up afterwards, and it might not provide as neat a finish as MIG/MAG welding with shielding gas. Despite that, it's popular for its portability, convenience, and ability to weld thicker materials outdoors.