Although job sites frequently refer to MIG and MAG as “MIG,” the term “gas metal arc welding” refers to both MIG and MAG welding. Each has aspects better suited for certain welding purposes than the other.
The main difference lies in the shielding gas used. MIG uses an inert gas, while MAG uses active gasses. Both processes have some overlapping procedures and are easily adapted to robotic manufacturing.
Knowing which process to use is critical to the weld quality of every project.
How do you know whether to use standard MIG (GMAW) or MAG (GMAW-A)?
Let’s take a look at the main differences between them,
How GMAW Works
Before diving into MIG and MAG separately, it’s worth quickly going over how GMAW works.
GMAW means gas metal arc welding. It’s a semi-automatic welding process, feeding a wire electrode into the weld puddle from a motorized feeder.
Overview of how GMAW worksThe electrode feeds through the hollow torch while shielding gas flows through a hose connected to a pressurized bottle.
The torch connects electrically to a welder, which turns the spool when you press the trigger, continuously feeding the wire.
The welder creates the arc, fusing the wire electrode and the base metal. Shielding gas protects the weld puddle from exposure to the air.
MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas)
MIG welding uses an inert or stable gas, such as argon, nitrogen, helium, or a mixture, that doesn’t engage in chemical reactions.
This blanket of stable gas completely isolates the weld puddle, meaning MIG also delivers great heat control, protecting the weld pool and creating clean, precise welds.
The inert gas or gas blends allow MIG welding to work on various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.
When welding non-ferrous metals or stainless steel, helium helps prevent oxidation. This mix adds helium in ratios of 25-75 percent, blended to argon, which can also vary between 25-75 percent.
Different ratios of each gas can change the profile and depth of the weld bead. Gas suppliers can recommend the blend for a specific task.
It’s not recommended to use a pure inert gas like argon as you will get weak and brittle welds.
Comparing weld bead profiles of 100% Argon to a 75% / 25% co2 MIG mixHelium runs the arc at a higher temperature. However, it’s expensive. It costs more than argon, and you also have to run a higher flow rate because it’s a lot lighter than air.
With MIG stainless steel, running a 3-way blend of helium, argon, and CO2 is common.
Typical Uses for MIG Welding
You would usually choose the MIG process for non-ferrous metals, including aluminum, copper, and magnesium.
MIG is the go-to choice with thin sheet metals because of its fine heat control and easily adjusted wire speed. These advantages lend themselves well to auto body repair, appliance manufacturing, and toolmaking.
The automotive, aircraft, racing, and military industries prefer MIG for its high production rates on aluminum and magnesium parts and its versatility and ease of use.
Advantages of MIG Welding
Disadvantages of MIG Welding
MAG Welding (Metal Active Gas)
MAG welding, known as gas metal arc welding with active gas (GMAW-A), is similar to MIG welding, but different shielding gasses control the weld characteristics.
Instead of inert gasses like argon, nitrogen, or helium, MAG welding employs a mixture of an active gas such as carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen (O2) with an inert gas like argon, making an argon/CO2 mix.
GMAW gas profiles and their effects on penetrationThough not common for DIYers, you can add oxygen to shielding gasses in small amounts, between 1-9%, to make a tri-mix. The purpose is to add heat, provide arc stability, and improve the weld puddle flow when welding steel alloys and carbon steel.
As most people wouldn’t use O2, it’s more common to use CO2 as a substitute for oxygen. This combination is cheaper than pure argon while providing the benefits of active gas, including better weld cleaning and more precise beads.
Shielding gas providers recommend against using more than 25 percent active gas for MAG to reduce spatter.
Whilst it’s possible to weld with 100% CO2, you’ll get poor arc quality and more spatter.
Weld profile of using C25 vs. 100% Co2Active gasses react with the weld pool, producing a more stable arc and enhancing penetration. Different active gasses produce different bead shapes, heat levels, and penetration depths.
The active gasses used in MAG welding offer several advantages over MIG welding. Because active gasses react with both the base metal and the weld, they provide better weld penetration, making MAG suitable for thicker materials.
Additionally, using active gas reduces the weld’s porosity risk, delivering stronger, more reliable joints. They improve penetration, adding heat on thick pieces to produce rigid welds with better mechanical properties than MIG welds.
MAG welding is also more versatile than MIG because it can weld a wider range of metals, including stainless steel.
MAG welding can be more difficult to learn than MIG welding, and it can produce more spatter. MAG welding is also more toxic than MIG welding because active gasses are more harmful to breathe.
The most common gas mixture for both GMAW processes is “C25,” which contains 75% argon and 25% CO2. This means there are a lot of similarities in the applications and qualities of both processes.
What Do You Typically Use MAG Typically For?
You typically use MAG welding for ferrous metals such as steel and stainless steel. It’s also a good choice for welding thick metals like structural steel.
Advantages of MAG Welding
Disadvantages of MAG Welding
Key Differences Between MIG and MAG Welding Techniques
Here are the differences between both processes:
AspectMIGMAGShielding gas typeInert gasActive gasShielding gassesArgon & HeliumCarbon Dioxide & OxygenGas costMore expensiveLess expensiveGas interactionDoes not react with base metalReacts with base metalCommon applicationsNon-ferrous metals, thin metalsFerrous metals, thick metalsArc stabilityGoodExcellentWeld appearanceSmooth, shinyMatt, texturedWeld penetrationGoodExcellentCan You MAG Weld With A MIG Welder?
Yes, you can MAG weld with a MIG welder. Instead of inert gasses, you’ll need to use active shielding gasses, such as carbon dioxide or argon-carbon dioxide mixtures.
You’ll also need to adjust the settings on your welding machine. Because of the higher heat and penetration, you may need to run a higher gas flow rate.
Wire diameter and wire feed speed also affect deposition rate and gas flow.
Which Is Better, MIG Or MAG Welding?
Each process still has distinct differences suited for different applications. MIG offers versatility, ease of use, and high welding speeds, making it ideal for many projects.
MAG welding provides increased penetration and heat input, so it works better with thicker materials and specific industries.
Your choice depends on your specific needs for a given project. MIG welding is a good choice if you need to weld non-ferrous or thin metals. If you need to weld ferrous or thick metals, GMAW-A is your choice.
Understanding the differences between these processes and knowing when to use each is essential for achieving the best results.
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