What is TIG MIG MAG MMA - Metals and their processing

Types of welding. mma, mig, tig, mag – Master Tool

14.11.2018

It is sometimes difficult for a non-specialist to understand the terms and definitions used in welding. The complexity is additionally caused by the fact that there are no strictly regulated and classified methods and techniques. However, manufacturers of welding equipment and materials adhere to generally accepted English abbreviations, which will be discussed in this article.

MMA (RDS)

MMA (Manual Metal Arc) - manual arc welding with piece (coated) electrodes using an inverter or transformer. The technical literature of Soviet times used the designation RDS.

The welding process occurs due to the melting of a metal rod - an electrode coated with a special coating, which have their own classification. Its main purpose is to protect the weld pool from air, preventing oxidation of the metal.

The molten rod forms a weld and the used coating remains as slag.

Covered electrode welding

RDS is possible on both direct and alternating current.

With direct current, there are two options for connecting the ground clamp and the electrode holder, so there is welding with direct and reverse polarity.

Alternating current does not have this feature - how to connect the electrode in this case does not matter. The given reliability rating of welding inverters will help you choose a machine that will last for many years.

Since the MMA method is the most popular due to its simplicity and relatively inexpensive equipment used, you should definitely familiarize yourself with the question of how to learn how to weld with electric welding yourself.

TIG(WIG) or RADS

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) - technology of arc welding in an inert gas environment with a non-consumable electrode. Tungsten is a very refractory metal with a melting point of about 3500 C, so it is the basis for the production of this kind of electrodes. Sometimes you can find other variations of this method:

WIG (Wolfram Inert Gas) - the name is derived from the German spelling;
GTA (Gas Tungsten Arc) - this abbreviation omits the chemical reaction of the shielding gas.

Because the electrode is non-consumable, the argon welding process occurs according to a different scenario:

an electric arc is excited between the end of the electrode and the metal being welded;
filling of the welding seam occurs by supplying a special filler material - a rod - into the welding zone;
the weld pool is protected by a gas cloud.

TIG welding process

Protective inert gas, i.e. a gas whose molecules do not chemically interact with the base and filler materials during the welding process; in this case, argon is used. That is why the name “manual argon-arc welding” or RADS was assigned to it.

We recommend! Argon welding of stainless steel

Argon can be used when welding consumable electrodes - the MIG method, which will be discussed below.

In the technical characteristics of welding equipment, in addition to the designation TIG, it is always supplemented by a mention of the type of welding current DC (Direct Current) - direct current or AC/DC (Alternating Current / Direct Current) - alternating / direct current. In this case it is very important. For example, welding aluminum with argon is carried out using alternating current.

MIG/MAG

MIG/MAG (Metal Inert/Active Gas) is a method of arc welding in a protective atmosphere of inert/active gas using a consumable electrode in the form of steel or other wire, depending on the type of metal being joined.

Schematic representation of the mig/mag method

MIG or MAG welding usually means semi-automatic welding.

The main objective of this method was the idea of creating an “endless electrode”, thereby achieving significant welding productivity.

Indeed, with the RDS method, you often have to change the electrode as it is used up, which in some cases is extremely inconvenient. As with TIG welding, shielding gases are used here.

The inert agent is usually argon and its mixtures, which is suitable, for example, for semi-automatic welding of aluminum and its alloys. The active gas, i.e., interacting with the metal being welded in the process, is usually carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide). You may hear from a welder the phrase “semi-automatic welding in a carbon dioxide environment,” meaning the MAG method.

This method is the most common due to its increased productivity compared to MMA, and gives a better result in the quality of the weld. The rating of household semi-automatic machines based on reviews of experienced welders will help you decide on the choice of a welding machine.

We recommend! Manual arc welding in argon environment

We hope that this article will help you understand the classification of basic welding methods, and will also be useful when choosing equipment and materials with English abbreviations.

Source: https://cs-important.ru/drugoe/tipy-svarki-mma-mig-tig-mag.html

MIG welding: specifics of the method, how it works, where it is used, pros and cons, equipment

You have the opportunity to read about welding about the types and types that you may learn about for the first time. But the electric arc is what unites them.

And without this arc it is impossible to form seams. With the use of gas, MIG/MAG ranks first in popularity.

This line of work is easy to use, well suited for welders with no experience, and used successfully by experienced welders.

Thanks to the instant, it is possible to easily weld various types of metals with different thicknesses and with any complexity of the seam. This article will tell you about MIG, or more precisely about the peculiarities of welding. Or rather, in a protective gas environment.

MIG and MAG are

This is a semi-automatic technique. Please note that this version, since its melting is in a gas protective environment. There is also an automatic and manual version.

Otherwise, on the Internet you can find such types of welding as:

electric arc (in gas);
arc (gas protective environment);
moment;
magician;
GMAW (“Gas metal Arc welding”).

The following picture shows TIG and MIG/MAG – schematically. You have the opportunity to compare and consider them in detail. With continuous current there is an option with MIG/MAG.

There are two types of polarity: forward and reverse. The article immediately used the abbreviation MAG, the difference from MIG is that MAG is using gas (carbon dioxide), semi-automatic.

Mag differs from mig in that argon can be replaced with carbon dioxide (cheaper when purchased). Also, this option can only connect zones made of alloyed and low-alloyed materials, and this is limiting.

Prefer professional semi-automatic machines with the ability to function in MIG/MAG. You will have more possibilities by also using wire of different diameters. Once you understand MIG, you can choose the best equipment for this method.

Device and additional equipment

Semi-automatic (standard) is ideal. Gas (don’t forget about the pressure reducer), semi-automatic, cable, transformer (producing current), gas burner, various hoses, equipped with additional wire (filler) output and mechanism. This is considered a set of welding equipment.

MIG is work in gas protection with a melting electrode. But here the electrode was replaced, and filler wire (aluminum) was used. Recommendation: the wire should be selected taking into account what exactly will be welded.

The wire is wound onto the drum set and mechanically transferred to a specific place of work. What does the speed feed depend on? The answer is simple: from the diameter and current parameters (you set it yourself).

All you have to do is press the button to point the burner in the desired direction.

As soon as the arc is lit, the wire will begin to be transmitted at the stitching site. At the same time, the gas will flow around the weld pool, protecting the metal from oxidation and the creation of defects.

And gas is a coated electrode (also in standard MMA), if we compare it with other types of welding. Although here the gas is supplied from outside, but with MMA it will form when the electrode melts.

Plus eclipsing minus

It's not uncommon for customers to complain about MIG. The device cannot be conveniently hung on the shoulder, and you also need to carry a large gas cylinder and other things. Without a special cart, it is impossible to easily move from place to place when necessary.

But the advantages of welding easily correct these disadvantages. Since no unsafe fumes are emitted when working with the device, the arc is not difficult to ignite (this is a big plus for beginners), wire is saved, and you can weld almost all metals of different thicknesses.

Working method

The welding voltage should not exceed 30V. The best value to use is 18-30V, it is adjusted specifically for the purchased device.

Make sure that the semi-automatic machine does not have the ability to automatically adjust the wire feed speed. This was specifically designed to stabilize the arc.

Although for welders with experience in their field, this inability to adjust the wire feed themselves causes inconvenience.

But in fact, this is convenient, because the feeder is complex and technologically advanced, and helps the welder avoid unnecessary movements and makes it possible not to interrupt his work.

For example, in a semi-automatic MIG/MAG machine, the wire feeder independently determines the need for deceleration and acceleration to ensure stable arc use.

This clever device helps keep the wires from melting into the torch, which will help prevent them from sticking in the torch or to the alignment when first fed. And thanks to this mechanism, pulse stitching is easily performed.

MIG/MAG is often performed when using reverse polarity, as well as constant current. More optimal settings.

If you have some experience and intend to start experiments, set the polarity to straight and the current to non-constant.

A machine with advanced settings may have different modes. Let's analyze them in more detail below:

"Short arc" mode. Thin metal. Current - less than 200 amperes.
"Spary arc" mode. Wire with a diameter of more than 1 mm. Universal mode.
"Pulse arc" mode. Large diameter wire. Steel and aluminum.
"Pulse on pulse arc" mode. Aesthetic seam.

Final word

I hope this article will help you.

Use our practice tips and tell us about your experience.

Let safety and protection be a priority. Good luck with your work!

Source: https://prosvarku.info/tehnika-svarki/mig-svarka

MIG welding on modern equipment

Now it is impossible to imagine a production that could do without the help of welding. This process, as a way to connect completely different parts from durable material, has found the widest application. Indeed, in most cases, welding is the only effective way to connect metals and structures. With such demand, the progress of this technology cannot wait and develops with the times. Below we will look at the main milestones and directions of modern welding.

Welding MIG, MMA

Manual Metal Arc is literally translated into Russian as “manual arc welding with stick electrodes.” This connection method is a pioneer on the path of welding progress. This process is less technologically advanced than others, which we will discuss below, but to this day remains the most reliable.

The principle of operation is as follows: both the electrode and the workpiece being welded are supplied with direct or alternating current to burn the welding arc. An electrode uses an arc to connect parts of the metal, forming a weld pool of metal and electrode, with molten slag coming out to the surface of the weld.

Progress of welding machines

Modern welding technologies with the index MIG, MAG, TIG are among the most modern methods of arc welding and at this stage of development of the world industry are used literally everywhere. A novice welder does not always know what MIG/MAG welding is.

The definition of this process is as follows: this is the process of joining parts of metals, in which a special protective gas is supplied to the burning zone of an electric arc, pushing atmospheric gases out of the zone of the metals being welded. This is the protective function of gas.

In MIG welding, the weld pool is completely protected from oxygen and nitrogen.

However, a more experienced welder knows what it is – MIG and MAG welding, and how these types differ from each other. The differences lie in the name and their translation. MIG (Metal Inert Gas) translates as “metal, inert gas”.

These inert gases include argon. These gases are relevant for welding aluminum, copper, titanium and all their alloys. MAG (Metal Active Gas) is translated from English as “metal, active gas.” These gases include oxygen, carbon dioxide and hydrogen. This gas is used for weld pools of low-alloy, non-alloy and corrosion-resistant steels.

Operating principle of semi-automatic welding machine

The principle of operation of a semi-automatic device is, first of all, that the wire electrode itself, which during manual arc welding a specialist feeds independently with the help of a hand and a holder, in a semi-automatic device is fed using a motor.

Therefore, this method is called semi-automatic MIG welding. The wire performs a dual function - it is both a conductive electrode and a filler material.

An electric current is applied shortly before the electrode exits the torch, causing an arcing phenomenon to occur between the end of the wire electrode and the metal.

Shielding gas is supplied through a gas nozzle surrounding the wire electrode. Due to its inertness, the burning gas displaces all atmospheric gases, preserving the strength of the structure of the welded seam. However, in addition to the protective function, gas also performs peripheral tasks. The composition of the atmosphere in the electric arc zone depends on the protective gas, which also has a positive effect on its electrical conductivity.

TIG welding

Unlike MIG welding, Tungsten Insert Gas is a manual arc welding performed using a non-consumable electrode in a shielding gas by adding wire. This type is also called argon arc welding. The essence of this process is as follows: shielding gas is supplied to the arc zone through a nozzle, while the non-consumable tungsten electrode is not melted, but is used as a tool for replanting the wire.

According to the classification, TIG, MIG, MMA welding belongs to the manual arc class. This type of welding is recommended for joining extremely small parts with a gap of up to 0.01 mm. The main disadvantage of a TIG connection, compared to MIG welding, is the speed, which is extremely low. If you require excellent quality and are not in a hurry, then this is the ideal choice for an aesthetic welder.

Prospects for welding technologies

In this article, we got acquainted with the main types of welding, which are popular and in demand at the moment in most large industries and in technological chains. Today, MIG welding, TIG technologies, stick electrode welding, etc. are mainly used. However, we have not mentioned the automatic joining methods used in industry.

If we delve deeper into the world of technologies that are under development, we will be able to trace the tendency towards synergetic control schemes, when setting a parameter on automatic systems, for example, the thickness of the metal being welded, sets the corresponding wire feed speed, welding current and other parameters.

THIS IS INTERESTING: How to change the wires on a welding machine

This greatly increases work comfort and production efficiency. Among other things, now, in the 21st century, welding is an independent type of production and contributes to the creation of fundamentally new structures.

Welded parts serve at ultra-high and ultra-low temperatures, at pressures, and are capable of operating even in the vacuum of space.

Modern technologies in the field of welding make it possible to work even with plastics, glass, ceramics and other materials. Recently, welding has even been used to connect soft living tissues. Therefore, this profession will develop, improve and remain as in demand as throughout the history of man and progress. And the work of such specialists will and will remain important and necessary.

Source: https://FB.ru/article/326019/mig-svarka-na-sovremennom-oborudovanii

What is flash welding and what equipment is needed for it?

Connecting metals by welding can be carried out using several technologies, which have a single principle, which is the formation of an electric arc. Let’s immediately make a reservation that there are also arcless types of welding. The MIG (metal inert gas) mode has gained its popularity not only due to its functionality and wide range of applications. The principle of the technology is that welding is the melting of metals in a protective gas environment.

This type of welding, with the necessary equipment, is available even to beginners who decide to improve their skills.

This method has another variety (MAG), which differs only in the gas used as protection.

Thanks to the development of the mig welding method, it has become possible to work with such “capricious” metals as aluminum, titanium, and nickel. Modern inverters operating in MIG/MAG mode provide convenient conditions for the welder, allowing control of parameters such as current strength, amount of gas, and amount of additive supplied. This is why they received the name “semi-automatic”, and welding itself is often called semi-automatic.

Today, the master chooses the operating mode based on the initial conditions (type of metal, thickness of parts, availability). A modern semi-automatic inverter is capable of operating in one of the selected modes. Additional materials include wire, which acts as an additive, and gas. Argon is used for MIG welding, and a mixture of nitrogen and carbon dioxide is used for MAG welding.

Application area

If we do not take into account private craftsmen, who have the appropriate tools in their arsenal to carry out work of varying complexity, then it can be argued that MIG welding is used in any production enterprises. This could be construction, car repair, shipbuilding, mechanical engineering, and now let’s add household work here. All this makes semi-automatic welding one of the most popular.

Equipment

To understand the principle of controlling a MIG welding inverter, you need to know that this welding mode is a special method of melting metals with the addition of an additive, but this all happens in a gaseous environment.

The necessary equipment must ensure the supply of voltage to the electrodes, the regulation of this voltage, and the supply of wire and gas to the contact zone.

An inverter semi-automatic machine, due to the presence of a wire feed mechanism, cannot be called compact, however, modern technologies have made it possible to significantly reduce the weight and dimensions of the device without sacrificing its technical characteristics.

The burner cable is connected to the Euro connector located on the front panel of the inverter, and the gas hose coming from the cylinder is connected to a special fitting at the back. The wire in the form of a reel is placed in the compartment intended for it. Large semi-automatic machines are assembled on a platform with wheels. A gas cylinder is also placed on it. Such a platform is convenient to transport around the facility.

The control elements of the inverter include a current regulator. The most expensive models are equipped with additional functions. To get an arc, you need to bring the holder to the welding site and press the key. The rest of the process is automated.

Technology

The principle of MIG welding is that the edges of the joining metals and solder are heated, they partially melt, forming a weld. But under normal conditions, the released gases would lead to the formation of cracks and pores at the junction. In addition, metal spattering would be observed. The inert gas does not react with the liquid metal and at the same time it displaces hydrogen, and the surrounding air, in particular oxygen, cannot enter the weld formation zone.

The role of solder is played by the wire, which is also a consumable electrode. The wire material may vary. It should be as similar as possible to the workpiece material in its chemical and physical properties. The area where molten metals are localized is called a weld pool. It is this area that is protected by argon. After the metal crystallizes in the bath, a seam is formed. The purpose of the active gas when operating in MAG mode is the same as that of the inert gas.

After the arc is formed, the melting wire begins to flow along the guides to the end of the torch. The wire feed speed is adjusted automatically. Some devices provide functions that significantly facilitate the welding process and stabilize the arc. Gas is supplied to the burner under pressure. It blows air over the weld area, preventing the appearance of oxide on the molten metal.

The role of inert gas can be understood if we compare this type of welding with MMA arc welding. Only there does the coating of the electrode provide a protective environment during combustion. When connecting electrodes, polarity must be observed, as it can be direct or reverse. The choice of polarity depends on the specific conditions. In most cases, mig welding is carried out with direct current, but sinusoidal current is also used.

The open circuit voltage is 30-40 V. The current strength is adjusted depending on the diameter of the wire, but the thickness of the metal sheet is decisive. On some inverters, the wire feed is not adjustable, but this is not considered a negative quality, since such models have an automatic arc correction function. The correspondence of the current strength to the diameter of the electrode for different metals is different, so it is recommended to take exact values from specialized sources.

Typically, the wire feed mechanism is quite complex in design. The supply system can have several purposes at once.

It feeds the wire first at a lower speed and then at a higher speed. At a low feed speed, it is possible to ignite and obtain a stable arc.
To prevent the wire from sticking when the welding is stopped, the current stops slightly earlier than the wire stops.
At the beginning of the arc ignition, an additional current pulse is supplied, eliminating the possibility of sticking.
The system allows you to work in pulse mode.

In addition, the device itself can change operating modes. The Short Arc mode is relevant when the welding current does not exceed 200 A. Here we are talking about welding thin sheet metal. In Spray Arc mode, the current exceeds the specified value and the wire diameter is 1 mm or more. For non-ferrous metals, use the Pulse Arc mode.

Wire

Many experts claim that MIG welding is gas shielded arc welding with a consumable electrode. In principle, this is so, only the wire acts as an electrode, which increases productivity. Let us remind you that when working in manual arc welding mode, you have to constantly change the used piece electrodes. The wire plays one of the key roles, so it must be selected based on the initial conditions. Traditionally, there are four types of wire:

steel;
aluminum;
copper-plated;
powder

Copper-plated and powder are considered the most popular, as they are more versatile and, moreover, easy to use.

Firstly, such additives are available in any specialized store.
Secondly, at high speed there is virtually no splashing.

Not only professionals, but also novice amateurs can work with flux-cored wire. Components in powder form, represented by various chemical compounds, ferroalloys and ores, greatly facilitate the welding procedure. The only inconvenience is that the integrity of such a wire, made in the form of a tube, cannot be damaged.

Steel and aluminum wire is used for the MAG mode, that is, in a carbon dioxide environment. If you do not have enough experience with mig welding, then each time you will have to clarify which material to use for a particular metal.

Advantages and disadvantages

If we compare inverters of the same performance, then semi-automatic MIG/MAG machines are more cumbersome compared to manual arc welding machines.

But modern requirements for technological processes have forced most manufacturers to produce multifunctional welding machines that operate in several modes. Thus, there are devices that combine MMA, MIG/MAG and TIG inverters.

Therefore, it is no longer relevant to consider large dimensions as a disadvantage. But many models are equipped with a special trolley on which all equipment can be placed.

The advantages of tig welding include, first of all, productivity. If the wire feed is automated, the welding process proceeds much faster than welding with stick electrodes. When the MMA inverter operates, gases that are harmful to breathing are released as the electrode coating burns. In this case, nothing threatens the welder, because the protective gas flows only into the bath area.

A novice welder is always faced with the problem of igniting the arc and holding it. The MIG arc is formed quite easily. This means that work can be carried out conveniently even in cramped spaces. But the most important advantage of this mode is the reliability and aesthetics of the seam. If the welding parameters have been selected optimally, the seam will be neat, without pores or cracks, and without spattering.

Source: https://svarkoy.ru/teoriya/mig-svarka.html

Welding machine using mig/mag, tig, mma technologies

To date, dozens of welding methods have been developed. The most common types are mig, mag, tig, and mma welding. All of them belong to the thermal class according to the method of obtaining energy for the welding process.

The thermal energy released during the formation of an electric arc allows you to weld any metals. The main heat is generated in the arc itself due to the fact that its resistance is greater than the resistance of the electrode and the part being welded, so melting occurs near the arc. This, in turn, leads to the formation of a weld pool, which, when cooled, provides a permanent connection.

Application of inert gases

MIG welding is the international designation for the welding process of metals in an inert gas environment. Argon, helium or mixtures thereof are used as inert gases.

Gas is supplied from cylinders through high-pressure hoses to the burner. It displaces atmospheric air around the electric arc, thereby eliminating the harmful effects of oxygen on the welding joint.

The seam is of high quality and dense, without pores. The disadvantage of MIG welding is the high cost of inert gas. Argon costs 45 times, and helium 156 times more expensive than carbon dioxide.

MAG welding is the international designation for the welding process in an active gas environment. The most widely used active gases are carbon dioxide and nitrogen. Their function is the same as that of inert gases - protection from atmospheric oxygen.

Carbon dioxide in the welding area decomposes into oxygen and carbon monoxide, which leads to harmful effects such as weld porosity. To avoid this, it is necessary to use electrodes or filler wire containing manganese and silicon .

They bind the released oxygen and deoxidize the welding medium. Gases are stored in high-pressure cylinders; reduction reducers are used for use. When using carbon dioxide, it is recommended to turn the cylinder over and release water vapor, only then start MAG welding.

With tungsten electrode

TIG welding is the international designation for the welding process of metals in an inert gas environment using a tungsten non-consumable electrode.

In Russia and the CIS, TIG welding is called argon arc welding due to the inert gas used. Thanks to the constant length of the electrode, the welding process is greatly simplified; the absence of other impurities allows us to obtain seams of the highest quality.

Pulsed TIG welding is a variation of conventional TIG, but uses pulsed current instead of direct current. In some MAG TIG welding machines, this mode is present along with the main one.

It is useful when working with thin sheets, it does not overheat them, and there is no warping during welding. Typically, several modes are set at a frequency of 1 Hz, 10 Hz, 500 Hz. The result is a beautiful scaly seam.

MMA welding is the international designation for manual electric arc welding. It is produced by electrodes coated with a special protective coating. The MMA welding process occurs due to the formation of an arc between the electrode and the part being welded.

The electrode, melting, enters the weld pool, which was formed due to the melting of the edges of the workpieces. The coating also melts and forms a protective layer on the surface of the bath, after cooling it turns into slag. Easily removed with a hammer.

Semi-automatic welding

The choice of equipment for a welder is huge. The MIG MAG welding machine is very popular. It is used in almost all auto repair shops due to the high quality weld it produces.

Most welding machines now use inverters. The frequency of the welding current in them is practically independent of changes in the mains voltage. At the same time, they have compact dimensions and weight, which allows them to be mobile.

Since the power source for most types of electric arc welding has the same parameters, manufacturers began to create universal models capable of operating in different modes and different types of torches. Semi-automatic MIG MAG and TIG welding has especially developed.

Welding wire

Semi-automatic MIG MAG TIG welding involves the use of welding wire, which is threaded into the machine. The quality of the seam also depends on its characteristics. In some cases, you can even do without shielding gas when using cored wire.

There are four types of additives: aluminum, steel, copper and powder. The last two are the most popular. Their use guarantees no splashes and high productivity.

In addition to cored wire, filler wire must be used in a protective gas atmosphere. When purchasing, be sure to check compatibility with the materials and tips being welded.

Universal semi-automatic

A striking example of universalization is a semi-automatic welding machine of the Triton MIG MT 250 brand. This semi-automatic machine belongs to professional equipment and is a small-sized inverter on wheels that produces 250 A in peak mode.

It provides high-quality welding in MIG, MAG, TIG DC, MMA modes and can weld with Spot Stitch technology. For this purpose, the delivery package of the welding machine includes torches for three types of welding.

In peak mode, the on-time is 60%, at currents up to 200 A - 100%. For easy and reliable initiation of the electric arc, the Arc Force and Lift TIG function is provided.

To supply filler wire, a 4-roller drive is used; it is possible to use a 300 mm reel.

Source: https://svaring.com/welding/apparaty/svarochnyj-apparat-mig-mag-tig-mma

Welding methods TIG, MIG-MAG, MMA

MMA - manual arc welding with coated stick electrodes. Used for welding carbon and stainless steels. Carbon steels can be welded using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), stainless steels can only be welded using direct current. Pros and cons of the MMA method + High efficiency + Welding in any plane + Lack of gas cylinders - Low productivity - Need to remove slag from parts

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TIG - manual welding with non-consumable tungsten electrodes in a protective gas environment - argon. The TIG method with direct current (TIG-DC) is used for steels, the TIG method with alternating current (TIG-AC) is used for aluminum alloys. Pros and cons of the TIG method + Accurate weld + No spatter + Welding of thin parts + Better control of arc parameters - Greater requirements for operator experience - Low productivity - Availability of a gas cylinder

MIG/MAG - semi-automatic welding with electrode wire in a protective gas environment - inert (argon) or active (carbon dioxide). Used for welding steels (including stainless steel) and aluminum alloys. Pros and cons of the MIG/MAG method MIG-MAG welding (with gas) + High productivity + No slag + Low smoke - Gas cylinder available - Limited outdoor use Flux-cored welding + Always ready to use + No gas cylinders + Ideal for outdoor use - Removal of slag required - High cost of cored wire

The use of synergetic programs stored in the device’s memory allows you to obtain optimal values for all welding characteristics. This is especially true for body repairs.

High performance.

Quick and easy device setup.

MIG soldering

MIG brazing allows you to work at a lower temperature than MIG welding (1000°C compared to 1500°C), with less distortion of the joined parts. The materials are connected only by melting the solder material (CuSi3 or CuAl8). MIG brazing is widely used in body repair, since the zinc coating of steel sheets is not damaged.

MIG-MAG welding modes

Short Arc Transfer of droplets occurs through successive short circuits at low current (+ Low temperature when welding small thicknesses. - Presence of splashes of molten material.

Spray Arc

At currents above >200 A, droplets fall into the melt, achieving significant penetration.

+ High temperature.
+ Wire with a diameter >1 mm.
+ No splashes outside the melt.

— Welding only relatively thick materials.

Pulse Arc Provides the benefits of a Spray Arc (melting speed and no spatter) with the low current typical of a Short Arc. Excellent welding of stainless steel, aluminum and alloys with low material thickness.

Source: https://samsad.kiev.ua/metody-svarki-tig-mig-mag-mma.html

Welding types: MIG MAG TIG MMA

Welding allows you to obtain permanent connections that are exceptionally strong. This indicator at the seam must be no lower than the base material, which is achieved by strict technology requirements and the addition of alloying substances.

In addition, this process is characterized by connection speed, complexity of the acceptable form, and the ability to control and vary basic parameters. MIG/MAG welding is developing most dynamically in industrial applications, but other types are also being improved.

The choice of a specific approach is determined by a number of parameters:

Material of the parts to be connected.
Production conditions. MIG, MMA and TIG require different organization and production preparation. The set of necessary equipment can vary from a simple power source to a set that includes a feed mechanism with precise adjustment and a compressed gas cylinder.
Quality requirements. MIG, MAG, MMA and TIG welding should not always be considered interchangeable - they have different capabilities, including in the formation of the weld.
Personnel qualifications. The most accessible in this are MAG and MMA. However, RDS is noticeably more difficult with increased requirements and small dimensions: leg, width, height, etc.
Expected performance. The semi-automatic and automatic process turns out to be much faster than the manual one. Depending on this, suitable types are considered and the optimal one is selected.

1 MMA
2 MIG/MAG
3 TIG

MMA

mma technology diagram

In our country, the definition of manual arc welding (and the abbreviation RDS) is common. It is cheaper and easier to organize production and less demanding on equipment.

The connection of two elements in MMA occurs using an electrode - a metal rod coated with a coating containing substances that help maintain the arc, protect the welding zone, and form a seam with the desired properties. When voltage is applied, a stable short circuit is formed between the rod and the workpiece, leading to their mutual melting.

The difficulty may come from requiring welder qualifications. To obtain a neat and reliable joint, skill and long experience are required.

In MMA, special attention is paid to the condition of the electrodes, which should not be wet or crumbling. Do not neglect pre-drying and checking.

Mig/mag technology diagram

The question of what MIG/MAG welding is should not be misleading, despite the unusual designation.

The English abbreviation MIG/MAG (MIG/MAG) hides the well-known semi-automatic welding with electrode wire in a shielding gas environment.

Instead of a rod, a thin wire acts as an electrode, which is semi-automatically fed into the zone where the weld is formed. This compensates for the melting process and simplifies the performer’s task.

Small diameter wire (from 0.8 to 3.0 mm) allows you to obtain compact connection sizes of a few millimeters.

Fundamentally, MIG differs from MAG in the type of protective gas, which is necessary for isolation from the environment with its high oxygen content in the air. Oxidative processes negatively affect the structure through the formation of intercrystalline rust.

MIG welding involves the use of inert gas, which itself does not enter into any chemical reactions, but due to its relatively large weight, tends downward, displacing air. A local microclimate is formed, which shows good results.

MAG welding involves interaction between the natural and created environments, accompanied by the binding of oxygen.

TIG

Tig technology diagram

The decoding of this abbreviation leads to welding with a non-consumable electrode in an environment of inert gases. The main welding material used is thin, sharpened tungsten rods that are strong enough not to melt at operating temperatures. Wire is used as an additive, but its presence is not a prerequisite.

The argon-based protective environment not only sets the correct casting processes, but also creates a melting zone that is local and deep.

TIG is demanding on the level of the welder and on the equipment. Due to its minimal heating, it is usually used to work with aluminum or thin-sheet stainless steel. The same applies to MIG welding.

Flux

Among the types of arc welding, in addition to MIG MMA TIG, it is also worth mentioning that it proceeds under a layer of flux. What flux is has many variations.

All possible materials have in common such qualities as flowability, the ability to influence the formation of a seam at all stages of remelting (including under unfavorable external conditions), and the ability to form a monolithic crust after cooling.

The use of flux shows very good results, but complicates the process itself and implies additional costs. MIG, TIG and MAG are more economical and easier to implement.

Source: https://svarkalegko.com/tehonology/vidy-svarki-mig-mag-tig-mma.html

Semi-automatic MIG/MAG welding

MIG/MAG – welding of materials using metal electrodes. This abbreviation means that welding is carried out in electrodes located in inert (MIG) and active (MAG) gas. Unlike MMA and TIG technologies, MIG/MAG welding has high productivity, ease of use and an increased degree of mechanization.

MIG/MAG welding technology

MIG/MAG welding is carried out in semi-automatic mode. The automatic welding machine operates in an atmosphere of inert or active gaseous substances. During welding, an arc lights up between the workpiece and the welding wire (electrode).

Under the influence of the heat of the arc, the material being welded is completely melted. As a result of this process, a weld pool is formed. It is protected from oxygen by a gaseous substance supplied by the burner nozzle.

Over time, the elements in the weld pool begin to crystallize, forming a weld.

It is necessary to select a shielding gas in accordance with the material of the part being welded and its thickness. When welding non-ferrous metals in a semi-automatic mode, mixtures of argon or helium are used. When welding cobalt or copper materials, nitrogen is used. When welding steels, carbon oxides are used. To improve the strength of the ignited arc and accelerate the formation of the weld, mixtures of MIG and MAG gases are often used.

The following types of MIG/MAG welding are distinguished:

Large droplet: carried out without short circuits.
Fine: During welding, small particles of metal are separated from the metal. This type of welding is carried out without short circuits.
Without short circuits: produced during welding of materials at low voltage welding current.

In semi-automatic drop transfer welding, the welding current density increases, which leads to an increase in arc voltage. As a result, the character of the electrode changes. Large particles are separated from the welded product. The disadvantage of this type of welding is high spatter rates. For this reason, the quality of welding of parts in the ceiling position decreases.

Welding with small droplet transfer is carried out at high voltages and high density welding current. With it, the welded material in a molten state flows into the weld pool. Therefore, this welding method is also called jet welding.

When welding products with small droplet transfer, the intensity of heat transfer increases, which leads to a change in the shape of the weld. The main difference between this method of semi-automatic welding is the stability of the burning arc.

This means that the welding current voltage does not change.

When welding parts without causing short circuits, the metal in the molten state is transformed into a drop, which leads to an increase in the voltage and length of the burning arc to maximum values. The intensity of the current supply remains unchanged, so the material in the molten state moves into the weld pool until a short circuit occurs.

In addition to semi-automatic MIG/MAG welding, there are 2 other types of welding: MMA and TIG. The decoding of these abbreviations means “manualmetalarc” and “TungstenInertGas”. The main difference between MIG/MAG welding and MMA and TIG welding is the high potential when supplying electrodes and gaseous substances. This increases the welder's work efficiency. Unlike MIG/MAG technology, TIG or MMA welding does not require a large number of machines and tools, because the welding process is different in manual mode.

Unlike other metal welding technologies, MIG/MAG welding has the following features:

Small time costs for changing welding wires.
The welding process is fully automated.
Metals can be welded in any spatial position.

The main disadvantage of this technology is the large losses due to the spattering of molten material, which is associated with the powerful radiation of the burning arc and restrictions on the supply of welding current. When MIG/MAG welding of products, it is also necessary to purchase special welding machines (semi-automatic) that act as a source of electricity and a gas distribution mechanism.

Seam formation

In MIG/MAG welding, a weld is formed by melting the electrode wire. As a result of this process, the basic welding materials crystallize. The resulting seam is reliably protected from exposure to atmospheric air by a gas film. Its size and shape depend on the characteristics of the transfer of material into the weld pool. As heat transfer increases, a small depression is formed in the weld pool, which affects the weld formation procedure.

Types of equipment for MIG/MAG welding

To weld parts using MIG/MAG technology, power sources are required. Their role is played by rectifiers and inverters. They allow you to increase the amplitude of high-frequency voltage. There are 3 categories of inverters for welding:

Household: most often used by novice welders for one-time projects. They can weld small parts. The welding current of household rectifiers is no more than 200 A.
Professional: Used by welders working in small commercial settings. They can weld large parts without losing quality. The welding current of professional inverters is 300 A.
Industrial: used in large industrial organizations. They are capable of continuously welding large structures while maintaining basic weld size and shape requirements. The welding current of industrial rectifiers is no more than 500 A.

Inverters ensure stability of the welding current and reduce the range of spatter of the molten electrode. The versatility of this device allows it to work with stainless steel and aluminum. Rectifiers consume a small amount of electricity. They are small in size, which improves comfort during welding work.

In domestic conditions, an inverter semiautomatic device with a Euro connector is most often used, allowing you to quickly connect the burner. Rectifiers allow welding in 2 modes, both in an inert gas atmosphere and using fleece. For frequent use, it is recommended to buy universal welding machines that can work using different welding technologies. Their main disadvantage is their high cost.

Selecting a device

When purchasing a welding machine, you must consider the following indicators:

Power type: It is recommended to purchase devices that operate on direct current. When activated in reverse polarity, these devices provide better performance. Devices operating with alternating current and straight polarity are not able to maintain a stable voltage on the arc, which leads to increased metal spattering and a change in the shape of the weld.
Mains voltage: single-phase or three-phase. Universal welding machines operate at a voltage of 220 V. It is important that the devices are protected from power surges. Otherwise, they will not be able to work in networks with different power supplies.
Temperature limits: Most welding machines operate at temperatures between -40°C and +40°C. At higher values of this indicator, devices are automatically turned off.
Availability of additional options: modern machines are capable of performing MMA and TIG welding. By combining many functions, they can be used to solve a large number of problems. Also, modern models have support for HotStart, AntiStick and ArcForce options.

The main technical characteristics of the welding machine are indicated in the device passport. It is important that the device is made of durable materials and has a long warranty period.

The main consumable material required for welding is welding wire. Its diameter must correspond to the thickness of the material being welded. Also, the part and the wire must be made of identical materials.

When welding, it is necessary to select the correct shielding gas. When processing parts made of non-ferrous metals, it is better to use inert gaseous substances (helium, argon and their mixtures).

When working with iron alloys, it is recommended to use carbon monoxide. It is important that in this case the welding wire contains an increased amount of silicon and manganese.

Experienced specialists recommend using mixtures of active and inert gases that reduce the range of metal splashing.

Source: https://stankiexpert.ru/spravochnik/svarka/svarka-mig-mag.html

Interpretation of welding methods - MMA, TIG, MIG, MAG. MIG welding on modern equipment

From this article you will learn how TIG, MIG-MAG and MMA welding stand for, and we will learn their main differences.

In addition, there is no rigid classification in welding, so it can be difficult to distinguish between welding methods. For this reason, most foreign manufacturers use English abbreviations that are recognized by the public. In this article we will look at TIG, MIG-MAG and MMA welding .

The advantages of TIG welding are the absence of metal spatter, good control of arc parameters, a neat welding seam and the ability to weld parts of small thickness. The disadvantages are the presence of a gas cylinder , low productivity and high requirements for the selection of an operator.

The advantages of MIG-MAG welding with gas are high productivity, a small amount of smoke and the absence of slag that needs to be removed from the weld. The disadvantages are the use of a gas cylinder and limited outdoor use.

Flux cored wire welding has the advantages of no gas cylinders, is always ready to use and is perfect for outdoor work. The disadvantages are the high cost of flux-cored wire and the need to remove slag from the weld metal.

It is worth noting that MIG soldering allows you to work at lower temperatures than MIG welding. This allows the connected parts to be deformed to a lesser extent. The materials are joined using molten solder material. MIG soldering is widely used in body repair because the zinc coating of steel is not damaged by this method of joining metal.

Welding types MMA, TIG, MIG/MAG

MMA welding

MMA welding is a welding process that is familiar to everyone and is used everywhere with a coated rod electrode. In general, MMA stands for “manual metal welding.”

The coated electrode simultaneously functions as both a source of metal for forming a weld and a protective environment for the weld pool, in order to protect it from exposure to atmospheric air.

The electrode melts when heated by an electric arc between it and the workpiece, and drops of molten metal flow into the weld pool. The electrode coating evaporates when heated and forms a protective gaseous environment.

Used for welding carbon and stainless steels. Carbon steels can be welded using alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC), stainless steels can only be welded using direct current.

High efficiency; Welding in any plane;

No gas cylinders.

Disadvantages: Low productivity;

The need to remove slag from parts.

TIG welding

TIG welding is welding with a non-consumable electrode in a shielding gas (usually argon). The electrode is made of tungsten and is not consumed during the welding process (unlike MMA welding). The arc burns between the electrode and the workpiece, and the metal in the form of a filler rod is fed into the weld pool manually or automatically. The arc, weld pool and electrode are protected by supplying shielding gas stored under pressure in a cylinder from the torch to the welding zone.

The seams produced by TIG welding are exceptionally clean, strong and reliable, and often do not even require additional processing or cleaning - after all, there is simply no slag or scale. Virtually any metal can be welded using this technology. Therefore, TIG welding is simply irreplaceable when working with stainless steel, aluminum, light alloys, in aircraft construction and many other areas.

The TIG method with direct current (DC) is used for welding steel, the TIG method with alternating (AC) current is used for welding aluminum.

The advantages of this type of welding include: Neat weld; No splashing; Welding parts of small thickness;

Welding in any plane.

Disadvantages: High requirements for welder qualifications; Low performance;

MIG/MAG welding

MIG/MAG welding is welding with a consumable electrode in a gas environment. The electrode is a welding wire with a diameter of 0.6 to 4 mm, which is supplied by a special feed unit.

The arc and weld pool are protected from atmospheric air by a flow of inert (MIG) or active (MAG) gas. In addition to protecting the connection, the active gas also participates in the formation of the weld as an active component. This type of welding is also called semi-automatic welding.

The MIG/MAG method is used for welding steels (including stainless) and aluminum alloys.

The advantages of this type of welding include: High productivity; No slag;

Small amount of smoke.

Cons: Limited outdoor use; Low performance;

Availability of an expensive and heavy gas cylinder.

Pulsed MIG/MAG welding

With droplet transfer, a decrease in the technological characteristics of the arc is observed, as well as difficulty in welding in certain positions. At the same time, the consumption of metal electrodes increases by 12-15%. To improve the characteristics of the arc, a change in its power is used - pulsed-arc MIG/MAG welding (Fig. 12).

However, the feed speed of the electrode wire is not equal to the speed of its melting. To speed up the process of melting the electrode wire, it is exposed to a current pulse, which ensures the formation of a drop at the end of the electrode.

Electrodynamic forces, sharply increasing, narrow the neck of the drop, throwing it towards the weld pool. In this case, you can use both single and a whole group of pulses.

The stability of the entire MIG/MAG process directly depends on the ratio of the duration and magnitude of the pulses and pauses between them.

By selecting the pulse and arc current, you can speed up the melting of the electrode wire and help change the shape and size of the weld. Finally, you can reduce the lower limit of the welding current, which is responsible for the stability of the arc.

Pulsed MIG welding: benefits

Transition from droplet transfer to fine-droplet and jet transfer (in short circuit mode);
Stable operation in the low current range (from 5 A to 40 A);
Reducing the overall current level and, as a consequence, reducing heat input into the metal;
Reduced spattering (up to 1.5 - 3% of total wire consumption);
Smoother transition from weld bead metal to base metal.

TwinPulseTM technology

MIG/MAG double pulse welding technology is known in several variants that have been developed by various welding equipment manufacturers. Let's consider this process using the example of inverter pulse semi-automatic machines of the Saprom series from Lorch Schweisstechnik (Germany).

The essence of the MIG/MAG process with double pulses is the modulation of the high-frequency carrier welding current generated by the power inverter with low-frequency pulses that are generated by the secondary inverter. In this case, the shape of the pulse and the current/pause ratio change significantly. By changing the shape of the pulse and the angle of inclination of the pulse wave front, it becomes possible to obtain controlled small-droplet transfer in short-circuit mode.

The short circuit mode is characterized by a smooth flow of a drop from the end of the electrode wire into the weld pool. The size of the drop practically corresponds to the diameter of the electrode wire, which makes it possible to reduce the size of the liquid metal bath and improve the spreading of the drop in the bath.

Reducing the pool size leads to proper, uniform formation of the back bead, improving the quality of the root pass and improving conditions for welding thin metal.

When working with T-welds, TwinPulse technology allows you to obtain a seam with a concave leg and avoid the appearance of possible stress concentrators in the fusion zone.

SpeedPulseTM Process

The SpeedPulseTM process, like the previous technology, was developed by Lorch Schweisstechnik (Germany) for its inverter pulse semi-automatic machines of the Saprom series. The peculiarity of the process lies in the special modulation of the pulse of the carrier frequency of the welding current.

Third-order pulses provide a short time for the final formation of a drop at the end of the electrode wire and transfer of the drop into the weld pool. In this case, a special type of jet transfer occurs, in which the arc operates entirely in short-circuit mode, and the formed drops are in a constant arc column. Outwardly, it looks like a stream of liquid metal with periodic compactions falling from the electrode wire into the weld pool.

The welding process using SpeedPulseTM technology is carried out at a distance of about 65 - 70 mm, while the arc length is only 3 - 4 mm. As the work distance decreases, the process enters an unstable phase with increased splashing; the arc is “pulled” into the metal. Features of the SpeedPulseTM technology are the high speed of the welding process (the increase is up to 40 - 45%) and a sharp reduction in specific heat input.

STTTM process

The creation of welding systems capable of controlling droplet transfer by changing the shape of the welding current is a strategic priority for research activities and practical developments of Lincoln Electric (USA) in the field of MIG/MAG welding.

According to the company’s specialists, despite the almost twice the cost of such systems compared to traditional equipment, in conditions of strict and constantly growing requirements for the quality of welded joints, their use is more economically feasible. This is confirmed by a noticeable increase in interest in such equipment from representatives of various industries.

The STTTM welding process (short for Surface Tension Transfer) was developed by Lincoln Electric as a result of active research in the field of controlled metal transfer during welding.

The traditional and most widely used method of semi-automatic welding involves the use of a power source with a rigid current-voltage characteristic, solid welding wire and carbon dioxide as a shield.

The equipment provides installation of welding voltage and wire feed speed - two parameters of the welding mode that determine the quality of the resulting welded joint. At the same time, in a fairly wide range of welding modes, the so-called “process of transfer of deposited metal by a series of short circuits” is established.

Source: https://ongun.ru/tutorial-plumbing/decoding-of-welding-methods-mma-tig-mig-mag-mig-welding-on-modern-equipment/

MIG/MAG and MMA and TIG: what is it and explanation, how to choose a universal machine for welding technology - Arc welding on Svarka.guru

The choice of a specific approach is determined by a number of parameters:

Material of the parts to be connected.
Production conditions. MIG, MMA and TIG require different organization and production preparation. The set of necessary equipment can vary from a simple power source to a set that includes a feed mechanism with precise adjustment and a compressed gas cylinder.
Quality requirements. MIG, MAG, MMA and TIG welding should not always be considered interchangeable - they have different capabilities, including in the formation of the weld.
Personnel qualifications. The most accessible in this are MAG and MMA. However, RDS is noticeably more difficult with increased requirements and small dimensions: leg, width, height, etc.
Expected performance. The semi-automatic and automatic process turns out to be much faster than the manual one. Depending on this, suitable types are considered and the optimal one is selected.

How to choose a device

Let's talk about devices. MIG and MAG inverter devices operate with specific tasks, so you need to carefully consider the choice of inverter.

Initially, it is necessary to determine what current is consumed during operation of the device: variable or constant. Our opinion is that it is better to buy a device with constant current and use reverse polarity.

Source: https://instanko.ru/elektroinstrument/svarka-mma-chto-eto.html

Mig mag mma tig decoding

Decoding abbreviations
- MMA (RDS)
- TIG(WIG) or RADS
- MIG/MAG

From this article you will learn how TIG, MIG-MAG and MMA welding stand for, and we will learn their main differences.

MMA welding is manual arc welding using coated electrodes. It is used for welding carbon and stainless steels. Carbon steels can be welded with both direct and alternating current, but stainless steel can only be welded with direct current.

The advantages of this type of welding are the possibility of welding in any spatial position, the absence of gas cylinders for welding and the high efficiency of the welding process. Among the disadvantages, it is worth highlighting low productivity and the need to remove slag from parts.

TIG welding is manual welding using non-consumable tungsten electrodes in an argon shielding gas. This method of welding with direct current is used for steel parts, and TIG with alternating current is used for aluminum and its alloys.

The advantages of TIG welding are the absence of metal spatter, good control of arc parameters, a neat welding seam and the ability to weld parts of small thickness. The disadvantages are the presence of a gas cylinder, low productivity and high requirements for the selection of an operator.

MIG-MAG welding is a semi-automatic welding with electrode wire in an inert argon gas environment. In some cases, carbon dioxide may be used. This welding method is used for welding steels (including stainless steel), as well as aluminum alloys.

The advantages of MIG-MAG welding with gas are high productivity, a small amount of smoke and the absence of slag that needs to be removed from the weld. The disadvantages are the use of a gas cylinder and limited outdoor use.

Flux cored wire welding has the advantages of no gas cylinders, is always ready to use and is perfect for outdoor work. The disadvantages are the high cost of flux-cored wire and the need to remove slag from the weld metal.

TIG(WIG) or RADS

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) – technology of arc welding in an inert gas environment with a non-consumable electrode. Tungsten is a very refractory metal with a melting point of about 3500 C, so it is the basis for the production of this kind of electrodes. Sometimes you can find other variations of this method:

WIG (Wolfram Inert Gas) – the name is derived from the German spelling;
GTA (Gas Tungsten Arc) – this abbreviation omits the chemical reaction of the shielding gas.

The choice of materials is carried out according to the color marking of tungsten electrodes, indicating the types of metals being welded, as well as welding modes.

Because the electrode is non-consumable, the argon welding process occurs according to a different scenario:

an electric arc is excited between the end of the electrode and the metal being welded;
the welding seam is filled by supplying a special filler material - a rod - into the welding zone;
the weld pool is protected by a gas cloud.

Source: https://MyTooling.ru/instrumenty/mig-mag-mma-tig-rasshifrovka