July 30, 2024

MIG and TIG Welding Emissions

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MIG and TIG Welding Emissions

Which Indoor Air Cleaning Method Should You Use?

MIG and TIG, Defined

The process of fusing metal pieces by heating the separate parts dates back thousands of years.  Gas methods, such as MIG and TIG welding, are 20th-century inventions still used today. Each method has advantages and should be chosen based on its specifications, such as the quality of the weld, the type of metal being used, and the efficiency requirements.  

Like any metal-fusing method, MIG and TIG welding can produce unhealthy emissions, pollute the air, and make welders sick if proper precautions are not taken.

Both processes burn gas fuel at extremely high temperatures. The base material is melted with a filler rod using fuel and oxygen to create an electric current (arc). Both methods are prized for their ability to protect the weld pool from contamination by using an inert shielding gas.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding, is also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW).

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, is also known as Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

extract-all sp-800 capturing welding emissions

Processes

MIG welding is generally a better option for mass-produced products and functional applications using thicker materials

This method uses a continuous feed as an electrode wire and an inert shielding gas to protect the weld from contamination via a hand-held torch. The process uses an electrical arc that fuses the consumable wire electrode and the workpiece, which then melts the metal and allows it to join.

TIG welding is more appropriate for smaller production jobs as it allows for more intricate detailing from a highly skilled welder

While similar to MIG welding, TIG uses a tungsten electrode that won’t melt or change shape. This process requires two hands, one to hold a shielding gas filler rod, while the other hand holds the piece that contains the weld pool.

Common Uses

Both methods of welding are used widely in industrial manufacturing. Industries such as aerospace, automotive, plumbing, and machinery rely on all types of welding to fabricate their metal parts and systems. But MIG and TIG have their specialties. 

MIG welding is more often used for pieces such as internal pipes and valves and durable structures such as buildings and bridges. It is also the common welding method for functional metal furniture, cabinetry, and fencing, as well as autobody frames and components, hulls and decks on ships, and even agricultural equipment and farming machinery.

TIG welding is the preferred choice for bicycle parts made with titanium, complex medical devices, HVAC ductwork, and items with aesthetic value such as decorative art, sculpture, and jewelry. TIG welding is used for welding parts of lawnmowers, motorcycle parts, and radiators.

Advantages

The advantages of MIG welding include:  All welding skill levels can perform this process. The method is fast, consistent, clean, and can be performed with one hand only. It is better for joining thicker metals and is ideal for mass-produced items requiring strength and durability.

The advantages of TIG welding include:  Ideal for thinner metals and offers a high level of precision. It is the best method for more delicate applications that require controlled movements and it produces a visually pleasing product.

Solution

To minimize the risk of becoming ill from welding fumes, proper safety measures should be in place. These must include proper workspace ventilation, the use of personal protective equipment, controlling dust and fumes via source capture using fume extraction or dust collection equipment. (1)

At AIRSInc., our Extract-All line of air cleaning products eliminate welding emissions at the source. We carry a full line of powerful air cleaning systems, but our SP-800 and SC-1000 models are designed specifically for collecting emissions from applications such as MIG welding. For TIG welding, our SP987-1 and BT981-1 models are more appropriate.

To ensure that your workplace has an IAQ that is healthy for all employees, contact an AIRSInc specialist today for a free indoor environmental assessment.

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