There are three most popular processes of welding are Stick, TIG, and MIG. Each process has distinct advantages as well as disadvantages. Stick welding is considered the simplest and easiest method. A simple setup is used by stick welding. An individual can heat the electrode with the work surface. This mingles and melts with melted portions and forms dirty & quick weld. MIG welding is also considered similar to Stick welding, where it used the electrode instead of stiff. It uses spool-fed electrode wires through the gun. In comparison, a non-consumable electrode is used by TIG welding. Tungsten could be heated at any temperature. So, it can melt the entire surface on which people are working without consuming any electrode. Each welding process attains different characteristics.
Difference Among Stick, TIG & MIG Welding
These welding processes use different objects such as electrode spool, stiff electrode & reusable electrode of tungsten plus filler. All these have specific circumstances that they could be used in & on different metals, and they could be used. The process of stick welding is considered a versatile process among all others in several ways. This could be used on multiple metals such as stainless steel, steel, chrome, aluminum, and nickel alloys. This process can be used outdoors in windy conditions, and this process can be utilized to weld corroded or weld rusty metal. This process is straightforward and simple to learn. The disadvantage of this welding is that this welding will not do pretty welds. The Stick welds become uglier and rougher as compared to other processes.
MIG welding is considered the “standard” welding. There is no need for proper training while performing this welding. This type of welding could be used on different types of metals & it produces nice clean welds. MIG welding requires a clean surface, no contaminants, and no rust, requiring moisture on the welding surface. This type of welding is not suitable for the outdoors, especially not suitable for the wind. This welding process is simple and easy to pick up and use in any kind of circumstances and conditions.
TIG welding is considered the most difficult procedure, but this process is advantageous if someone spends some time learning it. This welding procedure considered multiple factors that other welding procedures don’t. This welding process is prolonged & needs an immaculate and dust-free work surface. This process isn’t affected by wind. This process is costly. TIG welding generates the finest welds, this process is preferred by people or artists looking for delicate work.
MIG Welder
In this section, we will discuss the weaknesses and strengths of MIG welding. Spooled electrode-wire is used by the MIG welding, which is basically fed into the gun for use. The wire is properly heated & it contains filler, which is utilized to weld the metal. Shielding gas is required by MIG welding, and what type relies on the type and conditions of material that welder is welding. Oxygen & nitrogen are prevented by shielding gas from melding, and it prevents rough, porous, dirty, or incomplete welds. It is considered a more sophisticated procedure that generates cleaner & better welds as compared to Stick welding. At the same time, this process is straightforward and simple to use. This welding process produces effective and efficient results.
Primarily, MIG welding is appropriate for those jobs which require clean, strong welds. In the automotive industry, this type of welding process is widespread. It produces a weld that is very resistant to impacts. This process is commonly used in robotics, plumbing, construction, and other industries that prefer the strength toward aesthetics. This welding process’s sole drawback is that this process cannot be efficiently and effectively done outdoors. This welding process meets multiple needs of welding. It is simple and easy to use and learn, generates exceptional and good welds for multiple purposes, and this welding process is used in multiple conditions.
MIG Welding Pros & Cons:
Pros
- Very durable.
- It produces tidy and neat welds.
Cons
- Not usable outdoors.
- It is not suitable for thin materials.
Stick Welder
This welding process uses the inflexible, stiff electrode that is gradually replaced and consumed over the welding course. This stick consists of both shielding gas and filler needed for welding. It is considered an archaic procedure by MIG welding. Probably, the main standout in the farm work realm. On any type of metal, this welding process works efficiently. Stick welding works efficiently indoors as well as outdoors. Such things make this process perfect and efficient for doing material like the repairs of a spot on the tractor which are broken down or trailer which requires fixing. The stick welding process is not so expensive, and it is easy & simple to set up, having cheap equipment than other processes. This welding works effectively on rusted or corroded materials.
This process works efficiently on corroded or rusted materials. This process is easy to use and pick up in any type of condition and circumstances. Many people recommend this welding process because it is a cheap alternative. Stick welding generates very rough, sloppy welds & not much could be done for mitigation. This welding process is not so durable. Stick welding can be done outdoors & also works on rusty equipment. This process is appropriate for farm work.
Stick Welding Pros & Cons :
Pros:
- Can be used for a different type of metals.
- Very affordable.
- No training is required.
Cons
- Less durable.
- Rough, dirt welds.
TIG Welder
“Reusable tungsten electrode is used by the TIG welder, with the filler rod it is combined to generate its weld. The drawbacks of TIG welding are similar to MIG welding. This process is complex as compared to the other 3 welding processes. Stick & MIG welding only needs an individual to set up the gun, then point, and then shoot. This process requires people to balance the gun with only one hand. Filler rod in another hand & foot pedal is manipulated for effective heat regulation. This process of welding is complex to finicky, and to use. This process is expensive, demanding, and slow to get into.
TIG Welding Pros & Cons :
Pros
- Efficient for artistry.
- It can be used for extraordinary.
Cons
- Extremely slow.
- It is not suitable for thicker metals.
Which process of welding is efficient and effective for you?
Stick Welding is Used if:
- Someone requires to perform work outdoors: This welding process isn’t affected by the wind, so this process is effective and safe to use in outdoor conditions.
- If someone has a limited budget: This process is considered the cheapest kind of welding.
- Someone doesn’t mind unsightly, rough welds: This process is noticeable, thick, and bulky, thus don’t use this process on any metal that you want this metal to look good.
- Easy to learn: This process of welding is straightforward and easy to set up and learn.
- You don’t need to clean the working surface: This welding process can be used on corroded and rusty surfaces.
MIG Welding is Used if:
- If someone wants to begin their professional career, this process is used mostly for automotive repair and manufacturing in multiple industries. This process of welding is always very demanding.
- Someone prefers quick learning: This welding process is easy to learn, but it has a lot of nuance and flexibility that could show in work.
- Someone prefers to do work indoors: MIG welding is not appropriate for outdoor activities. It works efficiently indoors. This process of welding is not suitable for unclean environments.
- It Offers Versatility: This process of welding is suitable for any type of metal.
TIG Welding is Used if:
- Someone needs delicate work: This type of welding process is appropriate for welding thin metals or for only delicate welds.
- Someone is an artist: This welding process is aesthetically uniform, pleasing & very small.
- You require patience: This welding process is slowest compared to other welding processes & needs a lot of patience from the welder to complete the project.
Whatever type of welding you are going to choose, you must wear the welding helmet for safety. The welder must wear welding boots that must be resistant to slip, protective, and comfortable. But these boots must be shock and fire-resistant. The welder must wear welding gloves. It must be fireproof, heat resistant, and durable. The welder must look for flexible gloves during TIG welding.
MIG vs TIG vs Stick Welding Comparison:
Conclusion
The conclusion drawn from the above discussion is that each welding process has its own distinct characteristics and benefits. We have seen that multiple welders swap welding processes according to the conditions and circumstances to complete their work. Generally, MIG welding is considered the most useful process, but it is good and effective to understand Stick welding. The experience of TIG welding also looks great; training is required for performing this welding. For multiple types of metals, Stick Welding is suitable, and this process is not so expensive.