MIG Welding Basics

MIG welding is an arc welding process which joins metals by heating them with an arc. The arc is between a continuously fed filler metal (consumable) electrode and the workpiece. Externally supplied gas or gas mixtures provide shielding. Common MIG welding is also referred to as short circuit transfer. Metal is deposited only when the wire actually touches the work. No metal is transferred across the arc. Another method of MIG welding, spray transfer moves a stream of tiny molten droplets across the arc from the electrode to the weld puddle.

It is simple to choose the equipment, wire electrode, shielding gas and welding conditions capable of producing high-quality welds at a low cost.  Select from HTP America’s quality MIG welders to find an optimal solution for you.

The MIG welding process provides many advantages in manual and automatic metal joining for both low and high production applications. Its combined advantages when compared to covered (stick) electrode, submerged arc, and tig are:

• Easiest welding process to learn

• Welding can be done in all positions

• High rate of filler metal deposition

• Narrow weld bead

• Creates clean, precise welds resulting in high weld quality

• High welding speeds and less distortion of the workpiece

• Gaps filled or bridged easily, making certain kinds of repair welding more efficient

• No stub loss as with covered electrode

• Cleaner - no slag to remove from weld

A further advantage is that the same equipment used for MIG welding also performs flux cored welding. Rather than running a solid wire coupled with a shielding gas, flux cored welding uses self-shielded wire with flux inside.

Interested in MIG welding, but not sure about the specifics of the MIG welding process?  Our MIG welding training tape explains the inside of a MIG welder and how it works, as well as an explanation of the front panel controls.  Get specific welding tips and pointers.

Order your MIG Welder Training tape today!

Available MIG Welders

At HTP America, We have a number of MIG welders designed to meet your specific needs.  Learn more about our individual models by clicking on a specific unit below and/or requesting a copy of our complete MIG welder product catalog.

MIG 2400 - MIG Welder	MIG 200 - MIG Welder	MIG 160 - MIG Welder
MIG 160DV - MIG Welder	MIG 140 - MIG Welder
Call us at 800-USA-WELD (800-872-9353) for more information or to place an order.

The HTP MIG Welding Difference

Click here to see the inside of our welders and find out what makes HTP MIG welders superior to Miller, Hobart and Lincoln.  Learn about what makes our wire feeder and welding gun the best value for your welding dollar!