The MIG welder is the most common type of mig welder, using gas metal arc welding, it is really effective. A wire which is the electrode is fed through the welding gun. The same time this happens, shielding gas gets flowed which protects the weld while it is in the process of cooling down.
Most commonly used for this weld is carbon dioxide. It is the cheapest to use and also it makes great weld. Argon is used with carbon dioxide sometimes because it is a great mixture. It creates less mess, which makes the weld a lot cleaner. Argon alone can be used with aluminium for the best possible mold.
This method has great advantages over other methods in welding. Mainly because the welding gun has a control which will aim the electrode so that you do not hit an arc by accident. The gun is positioned in the right place and then all that is left for you to do is simply aim the gun and start your welding.
Alternating current will not give you a steady arc when welding, which is why MIG welders use a DC current. Using the inert shielding gases makes the welds smooth and clean with no slag to chip off. MIG welding is best used for thinner metals and weld sheet metal, because they can be welded at much lower power than other welders.
You can adjust the voltage on a MIG welder as well as the amps and the speed the wire comes through to the welder. A valve control will control the flow of the gas, and the tensioner on the wire is variable as well.
You can use a mig welder without shielding gas, and this is called flux cored arc welding, FCAW. There is an option of switching the polarity of the arc for the flux cored wire. The process requires that the wire has a hollow core filled with flux for better effectiveness.
Thinking about using a mig welder sometime in the future? You should visit Welding Supplies Direct for prices and information.
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