Whats the Diff between Welders?

Question

Whats is the diff between an arc and mig welder, what types of welding are they intended for . what are there main purposes. what types of welding / metal can i do with these and any general info you can supply me would be helpfull

Answer 1

An arc welder is also called a stick welder. They come in ac or dc, and some are switchable, ac and dc. It uses flux coated rods and is best for welding mild steel. The flux coating produces a shielding gas to keep oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen from the atmosphere from contacting the puddle and forming occlusions (pits and voids) which weaken the weld. Flux coated rods are made for other alloys, such as stainless steel and aluminum, but they are difficult to use and produce an inferior weld in these metals.



MIG stands for metal inert gas, and the welder doesn't use rods but feeds a spool of wire from the wire feed electrode or "MIG gun". The wire is solid metal (no flux) because inert gas, usually CO2 or Argon, is supplied from a bottle and fed through ports in the gun to shield the molten puddle. With different alloys of wire, you can weld many types of metal with ease.



Professional welders almost universally prefer MIG welders to stick welders because they are more versatile. A MIG gun can get into a tighter space than the "stinger" of a stick welder. Once you get used to wire feed, which takes some practice, it is easier to control and maintain a steady arc. MIG welding is a little more difficult to use outdoors, especially in windy conditions, where the wind can blow away the gas. So wind breaks are necessary. Many people state that you also don't get as deep of penetration with MIG compared to stick. I've talked to welders who counter that statement and say you just need a bigger machine (higher amps) and you can get any penetration you need with MIG - and I don't know which opinion is correct. The MIG welders I've used were small machines (125 amp) whereas most of the stick welding machines I've used were rated 250 amps. I could definitely get more penetration and weld thicker stock with the latter, but it could just be the fact that it was a much larger machine.

Answer 2

as was said arc welding uses a coated electrode. the electrode is consumed and makes up the filler material while the coating shields the weld as well as other things. MIG is "metal inert gas" welding meaning the filler metal is where the arc comes from and is protected by inert gas. MAG is metal active gas. TIG is "tungsten inert gas" where a non consumable tungsten electrode creates the arc and filler is supplied separate as a rod or wire. all 3 common types can be used for thin and thick metals though mig/tig is preferred for thinner metal/uneven thickness. mig can weld just as deep as tig and stick welders on thick metal. but generally stick welders are best for things outdoors, in wind, hardfaceing, or where simplicity/reliability is preferred. small mig welders are good for sheet metal and very big ones are good for most anything with the right attachments. tig is likely the most versatile type of welding with maybe the exception of oxy fuel gas welding. tig is cool cause you can weld aluminum, stainless, steel, and other stuff with only basic equipment. mig is one of the easiest to learn. arc welders are just great cause it will work even in harsh environments. you can weld in a sand storm with a stick welder.

if you want to do aluminum or copper be warned, you will need a more powerful welder than you think.

Answer 3

Basically Arc welders just use a short piece of rod, about 300mm long, covered in a flux to help the fusion process, and are used on heavy guage materials, over 3mm.

Mig, and Tig, use a thin wire on a roll that is fed through the handpiece, Instead of a flux coating they use a gas, Usually used for thinner materials like car bodies.

Answer 4

ok. the difference between this two machines are: arc is more for welding thick metals and is harder.. (heavy metals) .. the mig welder is easier to use it uses CO2 and the welds are cleaner and also really strong is good for welding fences cars and all that stuff. (soft metals). hope this helps.