As part of our consultative process at Arrow Off-Road, our technicians recommend the most appropriate fabrication techniques to yield the highest quality results. These recommendations are based on various factors, including the customer’s design specifications and the end product’s application.
One example of choosing the proper technique to develop the product is which type of welding to use during the fabrication process. In many cases, it boils down to the most common welding types: gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
In this blog, we explore these two types of welding to help you understand where each is used and why.
What Is Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)?
This welding type, also known as Metal Inert Gas (MIG), is a fast, straightforward technique widely used in metal fabrication. It uses a continuous feed of a consumable wire electrode fed directly into the weld pool to form the weld bead, leaving minimal slag behind.
The GMAW method also employs a shielding gas made of an inert atmosphere of argon or helium, which protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric contamination, causes little to no weld splatter, and prevents defects like porosity and oxidation. The result is clean, high-quality welds that last on various materials such as aluminum, stainless steel, regular steel, and many non-ferrous materials.
The process can be semi-automatic or fully automatic (robotic), which is especially useful when you need high welding speeds and enhanced efficiency over fully manual methods, even when joining large steel industrial components using different material types. It’s also very effective when producing long, continuous welds.
Many industrial, automotive, and construction manufacturers prefer the GMAW technique for high-quality welds in large, automated production runs or where parts are needed quickly. It’s also a more cost-effective choice because GMAW tools require less specialized training and experience to operate than GTAW equipment.
What Is Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)?
GTAW, also known as Tungsten Inert Gas Welding (TIG), differs from GMAW as it creates a small, intense arc between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece, making it the preferred method for high-precision welding. The tungsten electrode does not melt during the process but instead generates an intense, focused arc that melts the base metal. The operator can add filler material if necessary, although quality welds without filler are achievable when working with thin sections.
GTAW also uses a shielding gas made of an inert atmosphere of argon or helium to protect the weld pool from any airborne contamination, creating a clean, precise, high-quality join with minimal spatter. Additionally, unlike GMAW, GTAW can be used in various welding positions, including overhead and vertical.
It’s also highly compatible with robotic welding systems, ensuring consistent and repeatable results that are often superior to those of human operators, especially at slower process speeds.
Although you can use GTAW to join virtually any type of metal, it’s usually the preferred method for intricate joins using thinner materials, such as sheet metal, or exotic metals, including titanium and magnesium.
Because it prioritizes precision over speed, it’s a popular choice in the aerospace, nuclear, and healthcare industries. It’s also widely used in artistic metalworking applications where weld aesthetics are critical. However, the GTAW process takes longer than GMAW and requires a specific skill set to operate and program properly, which can often increase manufacturing costs.
Read More: CNC Technologies Role In Optimizing Production Costs
GMAW Or GTAW: Which Is Best For Your Application?
Both GMAW and GTAW techniques provide high-quality joins that are strong enough to withstand industrial use. However, choosing the suitable method usually depends on your application.
In a nutshell, GMAW might work best for fast results where tolerances are wide, the pieces to be joined are large, and you need the results quickly and at a lower price point. However, it might be wise to consider GTAW if your priorities are high-precision welds on thinner or exotic materials or where aesthetics are essential.
At Arrow Off-Road, our engineers closely examine your project specifications to make informed recommendations on which welding method would be best for your application. Our fabricators are also proficient with other welding techniques, such as plasma and nuclear, so you’ll always get the most effective results with the same high quality and performance standards you deserve.
With a partner like Arrow Off-Road in your corner, you’re always assured of a metal fabrication solution that meets your needs, delivered with a level of customer service unparalleled in our industry.
Read More: Our Capabilities
Get A Project Quote From Arrow Off-Road For Your Next Design And Fabrication Project
Partner with Arrow Off-Road for precise machining, welding, and fabrication solutions customized to your requirements and application. Quickly request a quote for your next project to experience the Arrow difference in quality, precision, and service for yourself. Get in touch with us today!