GMAW/MIG welding Machine

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), also known as wire welding, is one of the most common types of welding. In the GMAW process, an electric arc is formed between the metal and a wire electrode, applying heat to the metal pieces. This action melts and fuses the parts together to form a permanent bond.

As we covered in our history of welding blog, the GMAW welding process emerged in the late 1940s when a continuously fed electrode wire replaced the tungsten electrode in the gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process. It quickly became popular because it was more cost-effective than GTAW. Today, GMAW is used in industries ranging from construction and manufacturing to car racing and vehicle production.

Another term for GMAW is metal inert gas (MIG) welding. In the MIG and GMAW processes, a continuous solid wire electrode travels through the welding gun along with a shielding gas, which protects against contaminants in the air. This welding process can be used on both thick and thin sheets of metal, as well as aluminum and other nonferrous materials.

Not only is GMAW welding efficient when it comes to cleanup but also the one-hand operation helps improve control, which increases welding speed and automation while making it easier for the welder. There are a number of settings on GMAW welding machines that allow users to control the polarity, wire speed and amperage.