Named after the electric arc that forms between its electrode and a piece of metal, arc welding uses electricity to heat and melt metal materials together. Arc welding is one of the oldest and most popular types of welding, and it includes several different techniques that are commonly practiced by professional welders. Here are the most popular types of arc welding.

Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) Welding

The process of TIG welding is the most advanced, time consuming, and complex form of arc welding. Also known as gas tungsten arc gas welding (GTAW), TIG welding is used for more clean and delicate welds such as automotive fabrications. The weld is produced using a non-consumable electrode on one type of metal, but it can also be combined with filler rod to make it applicable to different materials.

Benefits of TIG welding include:

• Incredibly strong welds
• Useful for thinner welds
• High-quality precision
• Environmentally-friendly
• Safer welding process

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) Welding

Much less complicated than the TIG technique, MIG welding is essentially welding for beginners. Both an easy and reliable process, MIG offers beginners a great way to learn welding basics. Also referred to as gas metal arc welding (GMAW), MIG heats up a metal wire positioned between the two treated metals and uses a shielding gas to protect the weld from oxidation. The technique is the fastest way to use an electric arc to create a clean bond between two metal objects.

Benefits of MIG welding include:

• Quick
• Inexpensive
• Versatile
• Easy to use
• Useful for larger, thicker welds

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

Commonly known as stick welding, shielded metal arc welding is great for outdoor welding projects. Stick welding is often used for shipbuilding, on construction sites, and in industrial plants to weld thick materials such as steel and iron. One of the oldest welding techniques, stick welding works by heating a coated electrode, or stick, to form an electric arc that melts the target metals together.

The benefits of stick welding include:

• Agile and durable
• Produces strong welds
• Great for thick materials

While MIG, TIG, and stick welding are the more popular arc welding techniques, other types of arc welding include flux-cored arc welding (FCAW), submerged arc welding (SAW), and plasma arc welding (PAW).

Central Florida Welding Experts

Welding metal together for consumer and industrial equipment repairs and fabrication is a trade and skill that takes years of careful training to master. It requires not only professional tools, but professional experience.

The experts at Domer’s are experienced in each of the most popular types of welding procedures. Our well-versed welders are equipped with all of the tools needed to satisfy your welding needs. To learn more about the safe and professional welding services we offer, contact us today at 863-763-3417.