What is mag welding? The connection of objects by welding is considered one of the most durable and is widely used in construction, technical equipment and other fields.
Contents
Types of welding
Currently, the most common welding processes are divided into 2 principal classes: non-arc and arc.
Non-arc welding processes
In non-arc welding, electrodes that supply current are applied directly to the metal being welded. Through the metal located between the electrodes, a powerful discharge of current is supplied.
In this case, fusion is obtained only between the applied electrodes.
If the electrodes are located directly opposite each other, then the welded joint is spotted.
That is why this type is sometimes called stick welding.
This type of welding is the most common and is used primarily for fastening medium thick sheet metal. For example, in the field of ship-building or automotive industry.
Arc welding processes
In the electric arc welding, there is a small gap of ionized gas between the electrode and the metal, which is filled with an electric arc.
The shielding gases fed through the nozzle displace the air and thus protect the electrode and weld pool. The formation of a weld pool depends on the angle of inclination.
Shielding gas creates a gas dome around the welding zone, protecting the joint from the atmospheric contamination.
Arc welding includes several other welding methods.
ММА
This is a manual arc welding with a coated electrode. The basis of the process is a source of welding current, which is connected to the mains, two cables of different polarity to supply current to the workpieces to be welded.
TIG
This is a manual arc welding using a non-consumable wire protected by inert gases. This type provides more accurate seams, but is much inferior to MMA in productivity and ease of use. When using this method, the weld pool is formed well.
Shielding gas in TIG welding is needed in order to close the weld pool from the ingress of oxygen, which can harm the future of the joint.
GMAW
Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) refers to both MIG and MAG welding.
Since with this method the welding wire is fed automatically, and the welding torch moves along the seam manually, this welding method is also called manual.
Active gases and gas mixtures are used as active shielding gases during MIG and MAG welding.
Gas metal arc welding is mainly used for sheet metal welding. Therefore, MIG/MAG welding can be used for body repair, as well as the construction of structures from black sheet metal.
Advantages of the MIG/MAG welding method compared to other types of welding
MIG/MAG welding have the highest degree of protection of molten metal through the use of protective gases. They do not allow air to penetrate into the working area, perfectly isolating the weld pool from external influences.
MIG/MAG welding makes it possible to work in any position and allows you to visually trace the welding process, form a seam and, if necessary, edit it. Moreover, this method produces very low heat input.
With MIG/ MAG welding, you will get an excellent result—the seam is more even and with a complete absence of slag. The usage of MIG/MAG welding allows you to save time on cleaning the treated metal surface.
What is meant by MAG welding?
Metal Active Gas (MAG) is welding in an active gas environment.
MAG welding includes welding in mixtures of inert gases.
The welding machine for MIG is produced in a single body with a wire feeder and separately from it. It is necessary to select a shielding gas from the specifics and properties of the metal to be welded.
What is difference between MIG and MAG welding?
MIG welding and MAG welding differ in the type of gas used.
MIG welding (metal inert gas welding) works with inert gases. These gases act as an insulating medium. MIG welding machines are perfect for welding aluminum, copper, titanium products, nickel, and various alloys.
As a general rule, in pure MIG welding process, despite good protection of the welding zone from the effects of ambient air, the formation of the weld deteriorates, and the arc becomes unstable.
During metal inert gas welding, the final composition of the weld is established after the occurrence of metallurgical processes in the weld pool.
Unlike MIG welding, the MAG welding process uses active shielding gas (nitrogen/carbon dioxide). In some cases, the use of pure carbon dioxide provides a deeper penetration and reduces the tendency to pore formation.
MAG welding processes are usually used for welding steels. For example, workpieces made of low-alloy, non-alloy, carbon steels, and corrosion-resistant steels.
However, due to partial oxidation, the Metal Active Gas welding method does not work well on light steels.
What are advantages of MAG welding?
MAG welding has high productivity and high quality of the weld. This is due to the absence of time losses for changing the wire electrode.
Low heat input, especially when welding with a short arc, which makes this method the most suitable for joining thin sheet metal in all spatial positions.
MAG welding machine reduces the formation of pores and drops, improves the shape and quality of the weld. So, MAG welding is particularly well suited for robotic welding, which has been gaining more and more popularity in recent years.
Conclusion
The most popular method is manual metal arc welding (MMA). It is used in manufacturing and everyday life and is designed for welding most types of steel, cast iron, and non-ferrous metals.
FAQ
What is a mag welder used for?
The main area of Metal Active Gas welding application is mechanical engineering, the production of automobiles, rail vehicles, locomotives and trains, shipbuilding and bridge building, various steel structures, cranes, and drilling rigs.
Is MAG welding the same as stick welding?
No, they are completely different types of welding. MAG welding is a type of arc welding, while stick welding is a type of non-arc welding.
The main features of stick welding are low voltage, high values of compressive force, and a short time of the entire process. MAG welding requires a very high temperature and intense heat.
