When choosing between Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, and Oxy Acetylene Gas welding cosmetic appeal, material thickness, and weld strength desires must be considered.
- MIG welding causes a lot of spatter that needs to be sanded or filed, if cosmetically objectionable.
- Thus, it is best to avoid MIG welding on exterior surfaces if cosmetics are important. TIG welding is better suited for no spatter welding, even though it is more expensive.
- The parts that are to be welded need to fit well with each other without too large a gap.
- This is particularly important in fusion welding, where no filler material is used.
- If too large a gap is used, then excessive shrinkage will take place.
- MIG welding can be done for thicknesses ranging from 0.5 mm to 6.3 mm (0.020 to 0.250 in). TIG can be used for thicknesses as low as 0.125 mm (0.005 in).
- Weld strength can be upto the strength of the underlying material. To improve overall system robustness it is better to increase material thickness rather than over specifying the weld.
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