MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, also known as “Gas Metal Arc Welding” (GMAW) is an arc welding process using a solid, consumable wire fed by machine to the weld pool. The wire serves as both a heat source and as a filler metal, becoming part of the welded join. The join is cooled and protected by an inert gas shield dispersed by the welding spool gun. This process is known for its efficiency and is often preferred for welding thicker materials. 

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to deliver current to the welding arc within a shield of inert gas. It is also known as “Gas Tungsten Arc Welding” (GTAW). The tungsten electrode itself is not consumed by the welding process and may or may not be used with a filler metal to add to the join. TIG welding is known for its precision and aesthetically pleasing welds, but it can be slower than MIG welding and the requirements of the process can create higher operating costs. 

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) is also known as “Stick” welding. This process uses a flux-coated consumable electrode with a metal rod at its core. The flux coating on the electrode disintegrates during the welding process and creates both a shielding gas and a protective layer of slag. It is relatively inexpensive compared to other forms of welding and is more portable and versatile than other methods–it is often used in underwater welding, for example–but it can be slower than other methods and creates a layer of slag that needs to be removed after the weld is complete. 

Aluminum Spool Gun Welding is a form of MIG welding specifically designed for welding aluminum surfaces. Aluminum is a soft metal with a high melting point that creates special requirements for an effective weld without distortion. Using a spool gun for this process improves stability and consistency and creates a neater join.