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There are a number of methods and processes welders can employ when they’re working on projects. One of the most common welding processes is known as gas metal arc welding (GMAW).
During this process, an electric arc forms between the metal being worked on and a wire electrode. Heat is applied to the pieces and helps melt and fuse them together, forming a permanent bond. GMAW can be split into two main welding categories, metal inert gas (MIG) and metal active gas (MAG).
When it comes to MIG versus MAG welding, the biggest difference is the type of gas used during the process. Only inert gases that don’t experience chemical reactions are used in MIG welds, like helium, argon or a mix of the two. Active gas mixtures like carbon dioxide (CO2) or oxygen mixed with argon are utilized in MAG welds.
Curious to find out more about the specifics of MAG welding? Keep on reading.
The MAG welding process can be used within a range of sectors and industries. These can include:
From large industrial facilities to smaller repair shops, MAG welding is a common choice and used for many applications. The active gas mixtures used in the process have primarily been developed for welding steels.
MAG welding is one of the most commonly used welding processes for a reason. It comes with a number of advantages, including:
While there are many advantages to MAG welding, there are a few downsides to keep in mind:
Now that you know a bit about MAG welding, here are some more details to know about the process.
MAG welds use active shielding gases. These can be a mixture of CO2, oxygen or argon. Sometimes, a shielding gas is made from 100% CO2.
During the MAG welding process, an arc is formed between the electrode and the work piece. Direct current is used in the process to heat the metal and fuse the two together. The electrode used is continuously fed by a wire feeder into the weld pool.
MAG welding uses an active gas that makes it react well with construction steels and thick to medium-thick sheet metal. MAG welding produces intense heat, which can cause the CO2 to split into carbon monoxide and oxygen. This can cause partial oxidation, which is why MAG is not used for welding light steels or alloy metals.
When using MAG welding, one can utilize different transfer modes, which is how metal is sent from the electrode to the work piece. There are four basic modes used with GMAW processes:
Now that you know the basics about the MAG welding processes, here are a few quick answers to some frequently asked questions.
MAG stands for “metal active gas.”
MIG and MAG welding are both GMAW processes, and the difference between them is the type of gas used. MIG uses inert gases, while MAG uses active gases.
Unlike MIG welding, which typically uses helium or argon, MAG typically uses CO2. Sometimes CO2 or oxygen is combined with argon to create a mixture.
The Welding Technology training program at Universal Technical Institute (UTI) provides students with the hands-on experience and education they need to learn a range of welding processes, including MAG welding.
Through the program’s courses, students learn GMAW processes and how to use various equipment and applications, as well as other major welding processes, which include shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) and gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW).
In just 36 weeks, you can graduate from the program prepared for a hands-on career that you can pursue in a variety of industries.1 Request more information today and take steps toward your future.
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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.
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