When welding, knowing the difference of TIG vs MIG weld makes all the difference. Each method has its own characteristics — from the type of shielding gas to the final finish — and all of it impacts the quality of the result.
With competitive price and timely delivery, sino welding sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
One offers more precision, while the other stands out for speed and convenience. Choosing the right one helps avoid rework, lower costs, and improve weld performance.
Learn how each method works, explore practical examples, and see the strengths of both up close!
MIG welding, or Metal Inert Gas, is one of the most commonly used processes in the industry. It uses a continuous wire feed to create the weld, while an inert shielding gas protects the weld area from external contamination.
This method is known for being fast and easy to use. That’s why it’s widely applied in production lines, metal workshops, and even smaller repair shops. It also works well with thicker metals, making it a great fit for structural welding and automotive work.
When analyzing the difference of TIG vs MIG weld, understanding how MIG works helps highlight its strengths. MIG stands out for its high productivity and shorter learning curve — without sacrificing quality when the right equipment and wire are used.
PGN Bearings offers a complete line of MIG wires engineered for superior performance, delivering arc stability and consistent results across a wide range of applications.
TIG welding, or Tungsten Inert Gas, is known for its precision and clean finish. In this process, the electric arc is formed between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the base metal. An inert shielding gas — usually argon — protects the weld area from contamination.
Unlike MIG, the filler metal in TIG welding is fed manually, which gives the welder more control over the process. As a result, TIG welding delivers a higher level of detail and weld quality, especially when working with thinner materials like aluminum or stainless steel.
This method plays a key role in understanding the difference of TIG vs MIG weld. TIG stands out when the goal is to achieve a refined, high-precision result with minimal spatter and excellent visual finish. However, it requires more skill, time, and attention to detail.
TIG is commonly used in industries where aesthetics and technical performance are critical — like aerospace, high-end bike frames, and precision piping systems.
To really grasp the difference of TIG vs MIG weld, it’s important to look at the factors that influence how each method performs in different scenarios. Below is a direct comparison based on key technical and operational aspects:
In the end, the difference of TIG vs MIG weld goes beyond just technique — it’s all about the context. Choosing the right method depends on the type of project, materials involved, and the level of finish you want to achieve.
There’s no single answer to this — it all depends on the purpose of the weld. Understanding the difference of TIG vs MIG weld is key to making the right decision.
If your goal is a clean finish, precise control, and working with thin metals, TIG welding comes out on top. It’s perfect for jobs where aesthetics matter, like fine piping, bicycle frames, or high-end automotive parts.
On the other hand, if you need speed, ease of use, and high productivity, MIG is the way to go. It’s the smart choice for large-scale fabrication, metal structures, and workshops with tight deadlines.
Skill level also plays a role. TIG requires more technical ability, while MIG is more beginner-friendly and works well for simpler tasks.
In the end, both methods have a place in the welding world. The best option is always the one that balances cost, quality, and practicality for your specific needs.
The difference of TIG vs MIG weld raises a lot of questions, especially among beginners and professionals exploring new techniques.
Below are the most frequently asked questions — with clear and practical answers:
It depends on the application. Both methods produce strong welds when done properly. However, TIG offers more precision and a cleaner finish, which can result in higher quality in certain technical or delicate projects, like aluminium welding.
No. TIG welding requires an inert gas — usually argon — to protect the weld pool. Without it, the weld becomes weak and prone to defects.
Not always. TIG typically uses 100% pure argon. MIG often uses a mix of gases (like argon and carbon dioxide) to enhance arc stability and weld penetration.
MIG is more beginner-friendly. It’s easier to learn, requires less manual coordination, and delivers decent results even with limited experience. TIG’s higher learning curve demands more precision and is better suited for advanced users.
Now that the difference of TIG vs MIG weld is clear, let’s take a practical look at how MIG stands out — especially when paired with high-quality wires.
PGN Bearings’ MIG wires are designed to deliver stable, clean, and consistent welds, even in high-demand environments. They’re a top choice for manufacturing, metal fabrication, automotive repair, and any job that requires speed and repeatability.
For more MIG and TIG wiresinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
With options like ER70S-6, these wires ensure strong penetration and steady arc performance — even on slightly contaminated surfaces. That means less prep time and more efficiency on the floor.
Product consistency also plays a major role, keeping weld quality high even during long runs — something essential when productivity and strength need to go hand in hand.
This kind of real-world application highlights how the difference of TIG vs MIG weld plays out on the job: MIG delivers speed, reliability, and cost-effectiveness — especially when backed by trusted supplies like PGN’s.
Once you understand the difference of TIG vs MIG weld, choosing between the two becomes easier. Each method has its strengths and trade-offs — so the best option depends on your priorities: precision, finish, speed, or convenience.
TIG is ideal for fine, detailed welds where appearance matters. MIG shines in high-volume projects that require speed and ease of use.
Before deciding, consider the type of material, your work environment, and the level of skill involved. This helps ensure safe, efficient welds that match your goals.
Welding is a family of methods used for joining two workpieces; steel in the case of SSAB. Usually a single heat source, normally an electrical arc, locally melts the two workpieces to form a common liquid pool. When the steel solidifies, the pieces are joined. In many cases, a special steel rod or wire (consumable, filler) is melted into the weld pool to get a good weld joint.
The most common welding methods are Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) more commonly known as MMA or stick welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG), Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) more known as MIG/ MAG welding, submerged arc welding (SAW) and laser welding.
Yes. A typical example can be to weld the root pass with TIG and fill passes with MIG/MAG.
Yes, but it is more challenging to weld some steels than others, depending on alloying and dimensions.
Welding methods and parameters must be suitable for both steels. Usually, the least weldable steel determines the parameters to be used.
There is a vast number of consumables. The steelmaker provides advice on these for their different grades. For SSAB steels, see the welding recommendations.
Workpieces can be preheated in a furnace with an oxy-fuel flame, with electrical heating mats or with electrical induction. It is crucial not to exceed the maximum temperatures given in the data sheet for the steel grade to be welded. Too high a temperature may negatively affect the properties of the steel.
Steel workpieces can be preheated in a furnace with an oxy-fuel flame, with electrical heating mats or with electrical induction. It is crucial not to exceed the maximum temperatures given in the data sheet for the steel grade involved. Too high a temperature may negatively affect the properties of the steel.
A rule of thumb is a maximum of 5 ml hydrogen per 100 g weld metal. However, this is in practice not possible to measure. The hydrogen content in solid wires for MAG welding is typically around 1.5-2 ml hydrogen per 100 g weld metal, while cored wires can pick up moisture in the flux which might increase to higher values per 100 g weld metal. Keep all consumables dry and warm, in particular flux-covered and flux-core ones. Packages should be opened shortly before use.
Hardfacing is a procedure where a harder material is welded to the base metal surface to create a protective layer. The method can be applied to all SSAB steels, but for the hardest ones, a soft buffer layer must first be welded on the base plate to reduce the risk of cold cracking into the base plate. All types of conventional welding processes can be used for both the buffer layer and the hardfacing layer.
Yes, it can. However, the primer will increase the porosity in the welded joint. A high-quality weld calls for complete removal of the primer in the welding area.
Hardness deterioration is difficult to control. The maximum heating temperatures stated in the data sheets of the steel should always be respected.
The heat-affected zone (HAZ) is close to the welded joint where the temperature has increased temporarily due to the liquid weld pool. HAZ size depends on the heat applied. The mechanical properties of the base steel in the HAZ may change, usually in a negative direction.
The designer has chosen a suitable plate thickness for the expected structural stresses. A rule of thumb is that the throat thickness is equal to the plate thickness for a one-sided fillet weld. For two-sided fillet welds, the throat thickness should be approx. 0.7 times the plate thickness.
Plate shrinkage in the vicinity of the welded joint will vary due to varying peak temperatures and residual stresses of varying sizes will appear. Thin plates will react with deformation and relaxation of the stresses, while the stresses will prevail in thick plates.
Hydrogen cracks in welded joints can form due to the concentration of hydrogen in the material close to the weld, as hydrogen embrittles the material. Hydrogen atoms in a hot welded joint will diffuse and collect at “comfortable” spots, e.g. microdefects in the microstructure. Hydrogen gets trapped when the joint cools. Cracks can initiate from those hydrogen traps after hours or even days. The inevitable residual stresses will elongate the cracks. High hardness and alloying make steels more sensitive to hydrogen cracking.
There are many factors that could cause a welded joint to fail. The most common ones are defects in the form of physical discontinuities, poor microstructure, and residual stresses. There are various reasons behind those factors, including choice of design, joint type, joint geometry, welding process, heat input, preheating, and welding consumables.
Category and tags
How to weld 20 questions about weldingContact Technical support
Are you interested in learning more about Flux Cored Wire Self-shielded? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!