ME vs. TIG welding

When you’re thinking about upgrading your car, maybe you instantly picture a new engine, modified exhaust system, or a paint job. But when you’re making a modification you might not consider the most nitty gritty details, including whether or not you want MIG or TIG welding. Welding specifics are huge for DIYers, but it can be insightful to know more about the process happening to improve your vehicle. And if you, like most people, don’t know a lot about welding, we’re going to break it down for you gearheads in this article. 

Welding: The Basics    

Welding uses heat and pressure to join two separate pieces of material. There are different industry methods depending on part specifications and production. As welding has evolved, the process has been optimized through several techniques and technologies. These improvements include arc welding, friction welding, electron beam welding, laser welding, and resistance welding. As already mentioned, the two most common welding methods are MIG and TIG welding. 

Difference between MIG and TIG welding?  

MIG, which means "metal inert gas", welding used for large and thick materials. A consumable wire is used as the electrode and filler material. TIG, which means "tungsten inert gas", welding is more versatile. With TIG welding, you can join more small and thin materials. It also has a non-consumable tungsten electrode that heats the metal with or without a filler. 

MIG welding is a very fast process, especially compared to TIG welding. Because of this, the TIG welding process results in longer lead times and greater production costs for material, shipping, and labor. It’s also easier to learn MIG welding, and there’s minimal cleaning and finishing for welds. On the other hand, TIG welding requires a highly specialized professional; there’s a great deal of training needed. Without it, a welding following the TIG process won’t achieve good precision and accuracy with their welds. Yet, you will have better control during the welding operation when you employ the TIG process, unlike what you’d find with MIG welding. 

Welding with Your Vehicle 

What does this have to do with your car? Well, technicians will use auto repair welding for a number of tasks such as:

• Structural repair, like cracks
• Make metal parts
• Improve structural design and integrity  

Clean and strong welds are essential to auto body work and a long-lasting, properly-running vehicle. 

So which is better for your car: MIG welding or TIG welding? How you can conclude depends on the situation and your (or your technician's) experience. MIG is great for refurbishment and rework considering the material is quite thick. In addition, it is easier to master, so many craftsmen can try their hand at this business, using the right tools and safety. However, MIG welding is messier, which means you will have to spend a significant amount of time cleaning up. 

TIG welding works best with aluminum, such as aluminum pipes for turbo intercooling. As mentioned, though, you’ll need to be very trained with the TIG technique to have the result you want on your vehicle. There’s less heat with TIG, so less distortion too with your welds. 

Of course, we first and foremost recommend professional advice or consultation before any welds. You’ll want to ensure that you and your vehicle are safe throughout the process. 

Performance Muffler: Only Real Car Lovers Can Get The Job Done! 

Performance Muffler has been proud to call itself the best exhaust system shop in Phoenix since 2007. Countless satisfied customers praise us for our passion and expertise when it comes to servicing their vehicles. Check out our website or blog to learn more about the Performance Muffler difference. 

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Want to improve or change your trip? Trust professionals and be sure that you will get the best service. Contact the Performance Muffler team today for a free quote.