Last Updated on July 16, 2021 by Luis Ferency
A seasoned welder knows the uses of MIG welder, but a newcomer to MIG welding doesn’t know the MIG welding Basics; Also, for the people who are making a transition from any other welding to MIG welding, it is pertinent to explain the details about MIG welding. MIG welding is a versatile procedure which is the main reason for its popularity. But what is MIG welding used for? The answer to this question lies in the details as under.
Here’s presented a detailed review of MIG welding, its uses, benefits, and disadvantages to provide you with a complete picture of it.
Table of Contents
What is MIG welding used for?
First, let us give you a brief introduction to MIG welding. MIG or “Metal Inert Gas” welding is an arc welding process. This process uses a continuous solid wire electrode that is heated and fed into the weld pool from a welding gun.
How Does the MIG Welding Work?
MIG welding uses electricity to melt and join the metal pieces. It is amongst those welding processes that consume a bit more electricity. This welding creates an electric arc between an electrode wire and the metal being welded. The weld is created by melting the wire and depositing it using the arc. You need to give the weld some time to cool down and get it to solidify. The MIG torch nozzle has an important role to play in all this process as it simultaneously feeds the electrode wire and inert shielding gas to the weld.
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Where is the MIG Welder Best Suited?
MIG welding is best suited for smaller and low-volume work. It is not well-suited to things like you do in factories on a large scale. It is best for fabricating small structures and some automobile repair works. The MIG is also recommended for hobby welders working in garages on different projects and also for novice welders who need some good welding capability without the steeper learning curve of some of the other welders. MIG welding is popular for its cleanliness, long-pass capability, mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum welding. It is a very easy process which is why it is loved in most parts of the world.
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Where the MIG Welding Isn’t Recommended?
There is no welding technique that works on all applications. Each one of them has its own advantages and disadvantages, the MIG is also no exception. A good example of MIG’s limitation is to use it for construction and agricultural applications where heavy on-site work is needed. In such circumstances, each variable comes into play like the weather and the environment. You can use windshields but still, the controlled environment is required for MIG welding to produce the desired results.
Advantages of MIG Welding
MIG welding is often compared with TIG welding and has numerous benefits. Some of them are mentioned as follows…
- MIG welding is easier to learn as its complexity is low.
- MIG welding is a faster procedure.
- It is well-suited for long-pass welds.
- Thicker metals are also welded easily with MIG.
- MIG welders cost less than TIG welders.
- MIG is a more accurate form of welding.
- The possibility of flawed welds is less in MIG welding.
- MIG welding is a cleaner form of welding.
MIG Welding Disadvantages
Here are some points that are considered as disadvantages of MIG welders. These are as follows…
- MIG welding needs some set-up costs.
- There are some maintenance charges for MIG welding.
- You need windshields when carrying out MIG welding in an open environment.
- It is known to handle difficult welding positions.
- It can burn through if not handled properly.
What about Gas-less MIG Welding? Is it any good?
There is a misconception that gasless MIG doesn’t use gas. It is a fact that all the MIG welders require a shielding gas for protection against the weld puddles and the tip of the electrode wire. Gasless MIG mainly refers to the self-shielding MIG wire that originated from agricultural welding. But gasless MIG welding really helps when you are out in the open and doesn’t have any shielding equipment. It also helps in environments where it is not possible to carry around the normal MIG gas bottle.
Wrapping Up
Above given is a brief introduction about MIG welding and what is MIG welding used for. MIG welding really helps when you are using it for racing car parts, and making small metal structures. It is an easy-to-use and proven fast technique that gives you great results with less of a learning curve. The welding becomes remarkably easy when you have a modern MIG welder. You can experience that yourself as your professional or amateur welding projects take shape.

Luis Ferency with experience of 35+ years is a semi-retired welder. Though his passion for welding and learning keeps him going further. He loves sharing his knowledge on his expertise in SMAW, GMAW, GTAW, and FTAW. Hence, this helped the new welders to seek leverage knowledge and improve their welding skills.