# MIG & TIG Welding

https://kdisplay.com/capabilities/welding/mig-tig-welding

MIG and TIG welding join metal by melting it at the joint with an electric arc under shielding gas; MIG feeds a consumable wire, and TIG uses a tungsten electrode with separate filler. K-Display in Chicago welds frames, housings, and enclosure corners in carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

## Overview
The arc melts the edges of the joint into one molten pool, and the filler metal added to it solidifies behind the arc as the weld. MIG runs faster on longer seams and heavier sections, and TIG gives finer control of heat and bead on thin sheet, visible joints, and stainless steel or aluminum. We weld carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum, and supply weldments welded and blended, or powder coated with hardware installed. Resistance spot welding joins overlapping sheets, a lap joint, at single points with no filler or shielding gas, which suits stiffeners where the electrodes can reach bo…

## Materials
- Carbon steel
- Stainless steel
- Aluminum

## Production volume
Prototype, short-run, and repeat-production fit is reviewed with the drawing package.

## Applications
- Machine frames of cut plate and formed channel, welded at every corner
- Enclosure bodies with a continuous seam weld along each visible corner
- Hoppers and chutes with seams welded along their length
- Gussets and mounting plates welded to frames and bases

## Process
- Weld the joints: We weld each joint in MIG or TIG, the process your drawing names or the one we recommend for the material and the joint.
- Blend the visible welds: We blend or grind flush the welds on the faces the drawing marks as visible, and leave the others as welded.
- Finish the weldment: Weldments leave welded and blended, or continue to powder coating, hardware installation, and assembly.

## Design considerations
We weld each joint from the side its weld symbol names, and the torch needs a clear approach to that side. An inside corner closes off once the lid or a neighboring wall is fitted, so draw the parts so the corner stays open to the torch. A weld left as welded stands proud of the metal beside it, which shows on a visible face and holds a mating part off. Mark those faces on the drawing, and we blend the welds there.

## FAQ
**What is the difference between MIG and TIG welding?**
MIG, formally GMAW, uses a continuously fed wire electrode. TIG, formally GTAW, uses a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and separates heat control from filler addition. The right choice depends on the joint and requirements.

**Is TIG always stronger than MIG?**
No. Strength depends on material, joint design, weld size, procedure, workmanship, and acceptance requirements. Neither process is universally stronger or better.

**What should I send for a welded fabrication quote?**
Send the current part and assembly files, material and thickness, quantity, revision, weld locations, finish expectations, critical cosmetic faces, and any applicable inspection or code requirements.

## Related pages
- [Resistance Spot Welding](https://kdisplay.com/capabilities/welding/resistance-spot-welding)
- [Sheet Metal Forming & Bending](https://kdisplay.com/capabilities/cutting-forming/forming)
- [Powder Coating](https://kdisplay.com/capabilities/finishing/powder-coating)
- [Tack Welding](https://kdisplay.com/capabilities/welding/tack-welding)
- [Custom Welded Frames & Weldments](https://kdisplay.com/products/frames-weldments/equipment-frames-weldments)
- [Custom Machine Bases & Skid Frames](https://kdisplay.com/products/frames-weldments/machine-bases-skid-frames)
- [Custom Industrial Carts & Dollies](https://kdisplay.com/products/carts-racks-bins/industrial-carts-dollies)
- [Custom Hoppers, Chutes & Troughs](https://kdisplay.com/products/panels-covers/hoppers-chutes-troughs)