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What is a MIG welder?

A MIG welder is a welding machine used to perform the MIG welding process.
MIG welding is a form of arc welding that uses a shielding gas to protect the weld area while welding.
Producing an arc of electricity to create a short circuit between a continuously fed anode (+ the wire-fed welding gun), and a cathode (- the metal being welded).
The heat produced by the short circuit, along with a non-reactive (hence inert) gas locally melts the metal. Thus allowing them to mix together.
Once the heat is removed, the metal begins to cool and solidify, forming a new piece of fused metal.

It’s one of the most common forms of industrial welding, and can be performed manually or automatically.
When versatility and speed are needed, welders turn to MIG (metal insert gas) welding.

MIG welding is generally regarded as one of the easiest welding processes to learn. Being easy to perform, it is both user friendly and productive.
If you are new to the technique, find out what MIG stands for in our Blog guide.

Why do we need MIG welders?

MIG welding machines are adaptable, and can be used to weld a variety of metals.
This has made it a popular process for industrial practices.
MIG welders have been in continuous development since they were first invented. There are now many variations of MIG welders.
These include synergic and pulse machines, as well as Cold MIG and High Pulse. Machines featuring these new innovations improve performance and efficiency.

Westermans specialise in used and refurbished heavy duty MIG Welders. View our current stock above or give us a call today. 
We need to continually source industrial MIG welding equipment. We buy MIG welders you are disposing of when investing in new plant. Click here to send us details.

What is MIG Welding?

MIG stands for Mechanised Inert Gas Welding and is the most simple form of welding.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is also referred to as MIG welding.
MIG welding has a high deposition rate,, making it one of the fastest welding processes.
Wire is continuously fed from a spool and can be referred to as a semi-automatic welding process.

MIG Welding Benefits

• All position capability
• Higher deposition rates than SMAW
• Less operator skill required
• Long welds possible without starts and stops
• Minimal post weld cleaning required
• Ability to join a wide range of metals and thicknesses
  
• Produces a good weld bead
• Minimum spatter with certain processes
  
• Easy to learn

MIG Welding Disadvantages:

• Can only be used on thin to medium thicknesses.
• Needs an inert gas making it not very portable.
• Produces a somewhat sloppier and less controlled weld compared to TIG

MIG Welding Machine Manufacturers

The most common MIG welding machine brands include:

• ESAB
• Kemppi
• Lincoln
• Miller
• Fronius
• Thermal Arc
• Lorch
• GYS

What Metals can be welded using MIG?

You can weld many different types of metals using the MIG process.
For example, carbon steel, stainless steel and aluminium. As well as exotic metals like magnesium, copper, nickel and silicon bronze.

Why Use Shielding Gas for MIG Welding?

The shielding gas forms the arc plasma and stabilizes the arc on the metal being welded.
It also shields the arc and molten weld pool, and allows smooth transfer of metal from the weld wire to the weld pool.

The History of MIG welding.

MIG welding was developed in the 1940's, and 60 years later the general principle is still very much the same.
A few years ago, the full name Metal Inert Gas welding changed to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). Yet the name MIG welding is still the most frequently used around the world.

Welding is a skill that develops over time. Best practised with a piece of metal in front of you and a welding gun/torch in your hands.
There are many online tutorials, YouTube videos and forums to help you develop your MIG welding skills.