Welding is one of the most common technical jobs needed for example in building, construction or renovation work. Although it is a very popular job among Poles, it involves many complex techniques. Although on the surface it is simply joining materials together using a welding machine, there are at least several techniques for doing so. Each is used to join different types of materials and has its own individual advantages and disadvantages.

These include techniques such as:

  • MIG / MAG,
  • TIG,
  • WIG
  • FCAW Innershield

Welding with the MIG / MAG technique

The name of this technique is derived from the English language and is called Metal Inert Gas / Metal Active Gas". It is a method of joining materials under the cover of an inert gas (MIG) and an active gas (MAG). Inert gas can be, for example, helium or argon, while active gases include carbon dioxide. This method is ideal for welding most materials. It is most often used in assembly work or for automatic and semi-automatic welding. MIG/MAG is currently the most widely used welding method. Its advantages are:

  • high connection quality
  • high performance
  • the prospect of robotization of technology
  • multiple welding positions

The disadvantages, however, include:

  • large metal spatter in MAG welding
  • the need for protection when welding outdoors
  • the quality of the connections depends on the technical abilities of the welder

TIG (WIG) method

From English "Tungsten Inert Gas" (where the German 'tungstein' means 'gas'). This method involves the formation of an electric arc using a non-fusible tungsten electrode in an inert gas shield. This method is used for automatic or manual welding. It is used to weld all grades of steel and is most commonly used to join aluminium and aluminium alloys. It is a very versatile welding method. The advantages of this technique are

  • best call quality
  • the prospect of robotization
  • possibility of welding in any position
  • possibility of welding materials of different thickness
  • no need for post-processing

Unfortunately, this technique also has disadvantages such as:

  • low work efficiency in manual execution, low welding speed
  • use of wind protection in open spaces
  • experience and high technical skills required
  • preparation of the workpiece

FCAW Innershield method

There is also a distinctive method FCAW Innershield (Flux-Cored Arc Welding), which is identical to MIG / MAG with the difference that instead of lithium wire, a wire is used, inside which there is a core with a powder. During welding, the core melts under the influence of temperature and the burned powder forms a shielding gas that protects around the weld pool. That is why this wire is called self-shielding, as it is not necessary to obtain gas from the outside. This process makes the entire welding process much easier.