Welding technology is constantly evolving, and there is a wide range of different welding types used in various industries around the globe.

For agricultural or industrial fabrication and repair, TIG, MIG, and Stick welding are a few of the most commonly used techniques.

Here’s what you need to know about these popular welding types:

TIG Welding

TIG – or tungsten inert gas – welding uses a non-consumable electrode to heat material and melt it, creating a weld puddle. The weld is produced from a single type of metal, but filler rod is often used to make TIG welding applicable to a wider range of materials or two different metals at once.

Advantages of TIG welding include:

• The most aesthetically pleasing welds
• A high degree of precision is possible
• Great for automotive and precision fabrication
• Little to no splatter produced

Disadvantages of TIG welding:

• Not beginner friendly, it takes time to become proficient with a TIG welding apparatus
• A steep learning curve

If you’re new to welding, another type of welding like MIG or stick welding is a great way to learn the fundamentals. When you’re ready to produce precise, beautiful welds that are also incredibly strong, TIG is the way to go.

MIG Welding

MIG welding is one of the most versatile welding techniques in the industry. A quality MIG welder is capable of welding both thick and thin sheets of metal, and will allow you to work with softer metals without fear of burning a hole in it.

Advantages of MIG welding include:

• Easy to use
• Highly versatile
• Start and stop welds with a simple pull or release of a trigger
• Relatively attractive welds

Due to its ease of use, MIG welding is perfect for a beginner looking to get into the craft.

Disadvantages include:

• Works with a limited range of material types
• Not powerful enough to penetrate cast iron
• Materials to be welded must be clean
• Not suitable in windy or wet conditions

While MIG welding is great for beginners and the majority of normal uses, it does have some limitations.

Stick Welding

Also known as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), stick welding is one of the oldest forms of welding. Though simplistic in nature, it produces some of the strongest welds of any type, and can be used on extremely thick materials.

Stick welding uses a single electrode which also provides the welding material. As that electrode heats, it melts along with the target metal to weld the two together. The rod is coated in flux, eliminating the need for an inert shield gas around the weld to protect it from contamination.

Advantages of stick welding include:

• Strong, thick welds
• Suitable for thick materials
• Commonly used in construction and heavy repairs
• Effective on cast iron
• Can be used in the wind and rain

Disadvantages of stick welding:

• Not suitable for thin material
• Not beginner friendly
• Difficult to strike an initial arc
• Ugly welds with a high amount of slag left behind

Whether you’re looking for TIG, MIG, stick welding, aluminum welding, or stainless steel welding, Domer’s has you covered. Our team of expert welders and fabricators are properly equipped to quickly complete work while maintaining top quality, minimizing your downtime.

Equipment failures happen, and we always work to get you back up and running as efficiently as possible.

For more information about our welding and fabrication services, call Domer’s Inc. today at 863-763-3417.