Welding is a cornerstone of metal fabrication, and choosing the right technique can make or break your project. The majority of welding projects utilize either Metal Inert Gas (MIG) or Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding.

Which method is right for your specific needs? Our in-house Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) and highly skilled team field this question daily. Each welding type offers distinct advantages based on factors such as material type, precision requirements, project scale, and more. With decades of hands-on experience across all types of welding projects, we're here to break down everything you need to know to make the right choice.

Beyond the Basics: Understanding MIG and TIG Welding

Let's start with a crucial insight that many overlook: MIG and TIG welding are specialized operations requiring different equipment and processes, each with its own sweet spot in metal fabrication.

What Is MIG Welding?

MIG welding, or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a welding process where a continuously fed wire electrode is melted to fuse metals together. This method utilizes a shielding gas, typically a mix of argon and carbon dioxide, to protect the weld from atmospheric contamination, ensuring strength and durability. Known for its speed and adaptability, MIG welding is an efficient solution for large-scale production environments.

MIG welding includes several transfer methods: short-circuit, spray, and pulsed-spray transfer. These methods allow MIG welding to adapt to different material types and thicknesses, making it versatile for applications like automotive manufacturing, structural components, and industrial equipment production.

What Is TIG Welding?

TIG welding, or Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW), is the gold standard for applications requiring meticulous detail, aesthetic appeal, and high durability. TIG welding utilizes a tungsten electrode to create the arc, with filler material added manually. The process offers the most control, aided by the use of pure argon gas for shielding. This precision allows welders to achieve clean, visually flawless results on even the thinnest materials.

TIG welding is ideal for applications such as aerospace and aviation components, medical and food-grade equipment, and high-end architectural or artistic projects. Its unmatched precision and clean welds make it indispensable for sensitive or intricate work.

What About Laser Welding?

Laser welding is one of the more modern advancements in welding technology, offering high precision and speed. It uses a concentrated laser beam to fuse metals, making it ideal for micro-welding or applications requiring minimal heat distortion.

Choosing the Right Welding Method: A Decision Guide from HPM's Certified Experts

After thousands of projects and years of experience, we’ve developed a reliable framework to help clients decide between MIG and TIG welding. Here’s what our Certified Welding Inspector considers:

Materials

MIG excels with mild steel, stainless steel, and aluminum with proper setup. When aesthetics are crucial, TIG is often preferred for thin materials, exotic alloys, and aluminum.

Speed & Efficiency

MIG welding delivers high-speed results ideal for mass production, whereas TIG welding prioritizes precision and detail over speed. Most automated welding robots use this method.

Shielding Gas

MIG welding typically uses a blend of argon and carbon dioxide, while TIG welding relies on pure argon for optimal precision and cleanliness.

Aesthetics & Appearance

TIG welding produces smooth, visually appealing welds with minimal finishing required, whereas MIG welding often involves additional cleanup to address spatter and/or additional finishing.

Process Difficulty

MIG welding is easier to learn and execute, making it ideal for general fabrication. TIG welding, on the other hand, demands advanced skills and steady hands for successful execution.

Cost

Due to its speed and reduced labor demands, MIG welding typically costs 50% less per linear foot for large-scale production. TIG welding incurs higher initial costs but can often be offset by reduced finishing work and higher precision.

How HPM Supports Your Welding Needs

Certified by the American Welding Society (AWS), HPM maintains the highest standards in both MIG and TIG welding processes. We deliver various welding services tailored to your project’s specific needs. Here’s how we stand out:

Certified Expertise: Our in-house Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) ensures every weld adheres to the highest standards. We hold a range of welding certifications, including AWS D1.1, AWS D1.2, and AWS D1.3, reflecting our unwavering commitment to quality and compliance.
Advanced Facilities: HPM’s state-of-the-art facilities are equipped with flexible welding cells designed to accommodate projects of any size or complexity. Our capabilities include advanced MIG and TIG welding stations, robotic welding services for high-volume precision, and spot welding for specialized applications.
Custom and Aesthetic Solutions: We go beyond functional requirements by offering cosmetic finishing services to ensure your products perform exceptionally and meet exacting aesthetic standards.
Weld Symbols: Proper weld symbols on design prints are critical to achieving desired results and avoiding costly errors. At HPM, we adhere to AWS standards for weld symbols for clarity and accuracy in every project.

Get Started Welding

Whether you need MIG's production speed or TIG's precision, HPM's certified welding team has you covered. We'll help you choose the right process and deliver results that exceed expectations.

Explore our welding services orrequest a quote to get started with HPM's expert welding team today.

MIG vs. TIG Welding: Understanding Both Processes