What is Gas Metal Arc Welding

At M&M Certified Welding, our Cleveland welding services include an array of techniques, including gas metal arc welding, often referred to by the abbreviation GMAW. This style of welding may also be called metal inert gas (MIG) or metal active gas (MAG) welding, depending on the type of shielding gas that the welder uses. Gas metal arc welding originated in the late 1940s and was originally used for welding aluminium and other non-ferrous materials, but was eventually used with steels as well thanks to its faster weld time.

In GMAW, an arc is formed between an electrode and metal workpiece. The resulting heat causes the two to fuse, forming a permanent bond and welding the metal together. A shielding gas protects the weld from atmospheric contamination, but due to the potential for drafts that can dissipate the gas, it is best done indoors. GMAW is versatile, fast, and relatively easy for a skilled welder to do, making it an ideal choice for industrial applications, where output is key.

Gas metal arc welding can be used on various thicknesses of metals. Different shielding gases are used as well. Inert gases, like argon and helium are common choices, and do not elicit a chemical reaction. But active gases like carbon monoxide can also be used successfully. Some welders choose to use a combination of both inert and active gas when gas metal arc welding.

GMAW is typically fueled by constant-voltage power sources, providing a constant voltage to the arc length during the welding process. Gas metal arc welding requires the use of specialized tools paired with experience and welding know-how. 

Types of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Depending on the application, a variety of welding techniques can be used for the best result. The goal is always the same–transfer weld metal via an arc to the base metal and fuse them together in a sturdy, reliable weld.

Types of transfer modes include:

Short circuit: This low voltage GMAW option creates a short circuit when the welding wire touches the metal to be welded. The resulting metal puddle quickly cools and the metals fuse together. All in all short circuit GMAW is the coldest temperature option.

Spray: Just as it sounds, spray GMAW transfers metal droplets via a spray onto the weld joint. It then cools and hardens, bonding them together. This is a high heat technique. 

Globular: Similar to the short circuit method but with a higher heat input, globular GMAW features an electrode wire that is heated, touches the metal to be welded, and then creates a weld puddle. However the puddle is larger and the wire is heated longer.

Pulse spray: Similar to spray GMAW, pulse spray is a more controlled method of the same general technique. Due to a pulse of electricity, the melting electrode does not spray many droplets but instead forms a larger droplet that is transferred to the base metal, to form a puddle.

Gas Metal Arc Welding Applications

The various GMAW types and techniques are used in many large industries, such as:

• Manufacturing
• Automotive
• Construction
• Aerospace
• Pipe joining
• Shipbuilding
• Custom fabrication
• Railroads
• Underwater welding

While it is utilized in some of the world’s largest fields, GMAW is also a popular pick for small repair shops and neighborhood welding companies in Cleveland. Here’s why it’s so popular: GMAW is relatively easy to learn, it is highly versatile, requires less cleanup than other welding methods, causes less warping and distortion, and offers more control over the welding process. All together, these reasons make GMAW an efficient option for mobile welding services, truck body fabrication and custom fabrication, for example.

The few disadvantages to using GMAW revolve around its cost, limitations on welding positions, and the potential to burn through especially thin metals. But we find that, more often than not, the benefits outweigh the potential downsides.

Custom Fabrication and Welding Services In Cleveland, Ohio

At M&M Certified Welding, our team of expert welders have extensive experience in all forms of welding. We work with companies from various industries, and are happy to provide you with a free quote for your next custom fabrication project, truck body fabrication requirements, or our mobile welding services. Get in touch with us to learn more about our full array of welding services in Cleveland.