MIG Welding Gas
Mig Welding gas has an impact on the quality of weld and cost of your welding work. So, you should be cautious while choosing the best shielding gas for your welding work.
There are different types of gases for different metals but the most common gas for Mig welding is the mixture of argon and carbon dioxide at 75:25. Anyhow, this is not the only gas you have to work with. As some welders use helium blends for welding of thick aluminium. If you are looking which gas is best, then the answer is not quite simple and you have to go through the article.
Purpose of Mig Welding Gas
The main purpose of this gas is to avoid the contamination at weld bead. This gas ensure good quality weld bead by preventing the direct contact of oxygen and other gases with weld bead.
Which Points Should Be Considered While Selecting Gas For Mig Welding?
Being welder, you have to choose cost effective gas with finished weld characteristics. There are different gases but the cost effective and efficient gas is carbon dioxide. You can use it in pure form but also commonly used in combination with argon.
There are different shielding gases but you have to choose one which is efficient for your work. Following points should be considered while selecting shielding gas,
- The finished weld bead
- The coast of gas
- Base metal of varying thickness
- Cost effective shielding gas
Different Mig Welding Gases
There are different gases used as shielding gas for Mig welding,
Carbon Dioxide
This gas is cost effective and most commonly used as shielding gas. It is the only gas you can use it in pure form without the combination of inert gases. But you cannot use this inexpensive gas for thin and nonferrous metal.
Argon
The mixture of argon and carbon dioxide is the best possible choice for those welders who focus on the quality of weld. It is suitable for non-ferrous metals such as aluminium. But it is not good for steel work.
Oxygen
You can use small quantity of oxygen in shielding gas mixture which improve the stability of arc. You can use this gas only in combination to improve the weld quality. But, when you use it alone as shielding gas, it cause corrosion,
Helium
This noble gas is not commonly used. But you can use it for only non-ferrous metals such as copper. Noble gases resist he chemical reaction which result in less weld spatter. You can use argon and helium in combination which improves the finished weld characters.
Which Mig Welding Gas Is Best?
The shielding gas vary according to requirement of welding works. It also depend upon the base material, and its thickness. But most of welders recommend the combination of argon and carbon dioxide at 75:25 as it cost effective and good for both non-ferrous metal and mild steel. Learn how metal inert gas works.
Types of Gas Tank
There are different gas tank,
1. Disposable Shielding Gas Tank
The disposable tanks require more budget. Although it most prevalent in UK but we would not recommend disposable tanks. These disposable tanks only viable in mild welding work.
2. Refillable Shielding Gas Tank
The refillable shielding gas tank are preferred as they are economical and available in different tank size according to the requirement of welding work.
Size Of Mig Gas Welding Tank
There are different tank sizes but most commonly used tank sizes are 40, 80 and 125 cubic feet. But it is economical to buy large cylinder. If you have to do welding occasionally then tanks of 40 or 80 cubic feet is enough. But if you are running a welding shop then we recommend tank of 125 cubic feet.
Leasing Gas Tank
Different shops offer the lease of gas tank. The condition of leasing vary according to region. But we wound not recommend it until you have to do large scale welding work and save money.
