GMAW, or MIG welding, is a welding process that uses a continuous wire electrode and a shielding gas to produce a weld. It is commonly used for applications such as automotive manufacturing, steel construction, and other high-volume industries. GMAW provides high welding speed and excellent results in a variety of metals.
Advantages
- Faster welding speed
- No slag formation
- More versatility with thicker materials
- Less need for skilled operators compared to other welding types
Limitations
- More spatter than TIG welding
- Poor weld appearance
- Less penetration on thicker materials
Electrodes
| MATERIAL | TYPICAL ELECTRODE |
|---|---|
| CS/MS | ER70S-6 |
| SS | ER308L |
| CS#SS | ER309L |
| CS#C276 (HASTELLOY) | ERNiCrMO-4 |
Equipment Cost: Moderate
Welding Speed: Fast
