Differentiate between the two welding processes.

1. MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas welding) uses a wire electrode that is fed through a welding gun and melted to join two pieces of metal together. The electrode is shielded by a gas, typically a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, to protect the weld from contamination. MIG welding is typically used for thicker materials and is known for its speed and efficiency.

2. TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas welding) uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode to create the weld. A separate filler rod is used to add material to the weld joint if needed. TIG welding also uses a shielding gas, typically argon, to protect the weld from contamination. TIG welding is known for its precision and ability to create high-quality welds on a variety of materials, including thin and delicate metals.

Plasma Welding

- Principle: Uses a constricted plasma arc to melt and join metals.
- Arc Characteristics:
- Non-contact arc created between a tungsten electrode and the workpiece.
- Plasma gas (usually argon or helium) is used to create and maintain the arc.
- Advantages:
- High precision and accuracy
- Excellent weld quality and minimal distortion
- Fast welding speeds
- Good for thin materials and intricate shapes
- Disadvantages:
- Requires specialized equipment and shielding gas
- Can be more expensive than other welding processes

TIG (GTAW) Welding

- Principle: Uses a tungsten electrode shielded by an inert gas (usually argon) to melt and join metals.
- Arc Characteristics:
- Contact arc created between a non-consumable tungsten electrode and the workpiece.
- Inert gas is used to protect the molten metal from oxidation.
- Advantages:
- High weld quality and minimal distortion
- Good for thin materials and intricate shapes
- Versatility in welding various metals
- Relatively inexpensive and accessible
- Disadvantages:
- Requires manual control of the torch and filler metal
- Slower welding speeds compared to plasma welding

Key Differences:

- Arc Type: Plasma welding uses a non-contact plasma arc, while TIG welding uses a contact arc.
- Electrode: Plasma welding uses a tungsten electrode, while TIG welding can use various filler materials.
- Shielding Gas: Plasma welding uses plasma gas, while TIG welding uses inert gas.
- Speed: Plasma welding is faster than TIG welding.
- Accuracy and Precision: Plasma welding offers higher accuracy and precision due to its non-contact arc.
- Equipment: Plasma welding requires specialized equipment, while TIG welding is more accessible.
- Cost: Plasma welding is typically more expensive than TIG welding.