gas metal arc
Gas Metal Arc Welding or GMAW as it is commonly termed, is a welding process in which a continuous-wire electrode and shielding gas create welds with high strength and cleanliness. Known widely as Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding, this technique finds a lot of application in factories and automotive sectors due to its high productivity and ease of use.
 

Key Features:

  • Types of Shielding Gas: Inert gases like argon or helium are primarily used for welding of nonferrous metals, such as aluminum.  Active setups using gas mixtures like CO₂ or argon+CO₂ for well steel welding. 
  • Properties Enhanced by Usage of GMAW Include: Which gives increased welding speed, hence GMAW is also regarded as an efficient welding process for mass production. Making strong, clean welds with minimal spattering and slag. Allowing for the versatility of metal thicknesses and welding positions.
  • Various Applications: For assembling body panels and frames in the automotive industry. GMAW is essential for welding steel structures in construction and manufacturing.  GMAW is also used widely in the aerospace, shipbuilding, and fabrication industries.

GMAW's high productivity, ease of automation, and adaptability to different materials and industries are some of its main features. A few applications are in industries where good clean welds are produced with very little need for clean-up, thus, making them some of the most extensively used welding processes in modern times.