The Basis of MIG Welding and MAG Welding
The MIG Welding Process and More In MIG/MAG welding , an arc is created by the power source through the welding gun, between the fed welding wire and the workpiece. This arc fuses the material being welded and the welding wire, creating the weld. The wire feeder continuously supplies welding wire through the welding gun throughout the process. Additionally, the welding gun provides shielding gas to protect the weld. The MIG and MAG welding methods differ from each other in that MIG (metal inert gas) welding uses an inert shielding gas, which does not participate in the welding process, while MAG (metal active gas) welding employs an active shielding gas that participates in the welding process. Typically, the shielding gas in MIG/MAG welding contains active carbon dioxide or oxygen, making MAG welding more common than MIG welding. In fact, the term "MIG welding" is often mistakenly used when referring to MAG welding. MIG and MAG Welding Usage Across the Weldi...