Arc welding uses electricity to create an arc (spark) between an electrode and a base which melts the electrode and the base metals, which join when the metals cool.
TIG welding is similar, but uses an inert gas such as argon to envelop the weld area. A tungsten tip that is not melted creates the arc, and a filler metal joins the metal. The inert gas keeps atmospheric contamination from getting into the weld. It is used on stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloys, etc. TIG = Tungsten Inert Gas.
MIG welding also uses an inert gas to shield the weld area from atmospheric contamination, but uses a continuously fed consumable wire electrode that is fed through the welding gun. It is used for aluminum and steel because it is very fast and versatile. MIG = Metal Inert Gas welding.
TIG and MIG welding are harder to learn and use more costly equipment than arc welding.
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