What's the difference between MIG, TIG, and stick welding?

MIG is fast and uses a continuously fed wire; it's great for general steel fabrication. TIG is slower, uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode, and provides highly precise, beautiful welds ideal for stainless and aluminum. Stick welding is older and mostly used for heavy structural or outdoor field work.

How do I prevent warping on a welded sheet metal assembly?

Warping is caused by concentrated heat. To prevent it, we use techniques like stitch welding, alternating weld sequences, and proper fixturing. As a designer, you can help by avoiding overly long continuous welds on thin materials and utilizing tabs and slots for self-fixturing.

Does welded aluminum need different handling than steel?

Yes. Aluminum dissipates heat much faster than steel and is prone to oxidation. It requires meticulous pre-weld cleaning, specific shielding gases, and usually TIG welding to ensure a strong, porosity-free joint.

What welding certifications should I ask a fabricator about?

Look for AWS (American Welding Society) certifications. EMS employs licensed AWS QC1 Certified Welding Inspectors (CWIs) to ensure our welding procedures and personnel meet the highest industry standards.

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WELDING

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Need a welded assembly built right the first time? See what our Custom Fabrication team can do, or keep exploring related articles below. Custom Fabrication

Choosing the Right Welding Process for Your Assembly

Specifying "weld here" on a drawing isn't enough. The type of welding process used drastically affects the strength, appearance, and cost of your final assembly. Understanding the differences helps you specify the right process for your project's requirements.

GMAW (MIG Welding)

Gas Metal Arc Welding is the workhorse of the fabrication industry. It's fast, efficient, and great for thicker materials and long, continuous welds. We typically use MIG for structural steel frames, heavy brackets, and general carbon steel fabrication where speed and strength are prioritized over perfect aesthetics.

GTAW (TIG Welding)

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding is slower but offers unmatched precision and cosmetic appearance. It's the go-to process for thin materials, stainless steel, and aluminum. If your part will be visible to the end-user or requires precise heat control to prevent warping, TIG is the correct specification.

Robotic Welding

For high-volume production runs, our robotic weld cells provide perfect consistency and drastically reduced cycle times. Robotic welding requires precise part fit-up, so it's best suited for assemblies where the individual components are laser-cut or CNC-machined to tight tolerances.