MIG/MAG WELDING SERVICES

Characteristics of the MIG/MAG process

MIG/MAG is an arc welding process using a consumable wire electrode that is continuously fed into the welding zone. The electric arc melts the edges of the parts being joined and the welding wire, forming a weld. Shielding gas prevents unwanted interaction between the surrounding atmosphere and the molten metal.

A MIG/MAG welding machine feeds the wire automatically. Semi-automatic welding also requires the operator to guide the welding torch manually.

Two processes are distinguished according to the gas used:

• MIG welding (Metal Inert Gas) — a process performed under inert gas shielding, mainly argon or argon-based mixtures of inert gases. Used particularly for joining aluminium and its alloys.
• MAG welding (Metal Active Gas) — a process performed under active gas shielding, such as CO₂ or mixtures of argon and CO₂. Commonly used for joining carbon steel and low-alloy steel parts, and also stainless steel when an appropriate gas and wire are selected.

The process provides high productivity and is suitable for manufacturing welded products in various configurations, including series production.

Materials and welding process selection

MAG welding of steel structures
We use MAG welding to join steel components, including structural steel frames, support frames and brackets. We adapt the process parameters to the material thickness, joint geometry and required strength.

Aluminium welding with a MIG welder
MIG welding of aluminium requires the wire and inert shielding gas to be selected according to the alloy grade. When joining sheets, bent components and aluminium profiles, we also consider joint geometry and the requirements for the appearance and strength of the finished product.

Welding of stainless steel and acid-resistant steel
Welding stainless steel with a MIG/MAG welder requires the wire and gas to be selected according to the specific steel grade and product operating conditions. This also applies to acid-resistant steel components.
The terms “MIG welding of stainless steel” and “MIG welding of acid-resistant steel” are colloquial. When mixtures containing an active addition of CO₂ or oxygen are used, the process is classified as MAG. We agree on the welding process based on customer documentation.

Products for which MIG/MAG welding is used
The process is used to manufacture metal parts and assemblies where strong welded joints and high production efficiency are required.

Main types of products:

• Equipment housings and guards — welded housings, bases, protective guards and industrial installation components.
• Frames and support frames — load-bearing and auxiliary structures made from sheet metal and bent profiles.
• Brackets and mounting components — supports, fastening assemblies, holders and connecting parts.
• Machine and mechanism parts — welded assemblies, bases and process equipment components.
• Retail and warehouse equipment — metal support frames, stands, shelving components and mounting structures.
• HVAC equipment components — frames, support components, housings and other welded components.

MIG/MAG welding is particularly effective when manufacturing products with long welds and components of medium to large thickness, where productivity and joint strength are important.

Is gas-free MIG welding possible?

MIG and MAG require an external shielding gas. The colloquial term "gas-free MIG welding" usually refers to self-shielded flux-cored wire (FCAW-S) welding. In this process, the molten metal is protected by the wire's core components.

Advantages of MIG/MAG welding

• High productivity. Continuous feeding of the welding wire allows long welds to be made with minimal process interruptions.
• Strong joints. Correctly selected welding parameters ensure the required mechanical properties of the welds.
• Versatility. The ability to weld various metals and make joints in different welding positions.
• Cost efficiency. High welding speed and relatively low consumable costs, especially when welding carbon steel.
• Welding in series production. Stable process parameters ensure the repeatability of welded joints.

Weld quality and joint strength depend on joint preparation, selection of welding consumables and appropriate process parameters.

Process limitations

When selecting MIG/MAG, the characteristics of the process should be considered:

• Thermal distortion. Welding parts made from thin sheet metal may cause warping and changes in product geometry.
• Spatter formation. Depending on the welding parameters, additional surface cleaning and weld finishing may be necessary.
• Appearance requirements. TIG welding may be a more suitable solution for products with high aesthetic requirements.
• Sensitivity to air movement. Disruption of the gas shielding can lead to defects in the welded joint.

The choice of welding process depends on the material, part thickness, joint design and requirements for the strength and appearance of the finished product.

MIG/MAG welding within the PRITZ production cycle

PRITZ DEVELOPMENT carries out welding work as part of comprehensive metal product manufacturing. Production is based on customer technical documentation: drawings, 3D models, specifications and joint requirements.

Combining laser cutting, sheet metal bending and welding allows finished welded assemblies to be manufactured without dividing production operations among several contractors.

Production planning takes into account welded joint design, access to welds, assembly sequence and possible thermal distortion. Joint preparation may include cleaning and beveling the edges if required by the material thickness and joint design.

After welding, products may undergo mechanical weld finishing, surface preparation, powder coating and final assembly. Weld grinding is carried out when specified by geometry or surface finishing requirements.

Why PRITZ DEVELOPMENT

Series production repeatability
Stability of dimensions, geometry and product quality across successive batches.

Full production cycle
Core metalworking operations are carried out within a single production process.

Working from customer documentation
Production is organized based on agreed drawings and technical requirements.

Production of pre-series batches
Before launching regular production, the manufacturing process and product can be checked using a limited batch.

ISO 9001
A quality management system with a valid certificate.

Headquartered in Poland
PRITZ DEVELOPMENT is headquartered in Katowice and focuses on cooperation with B2B customers in Poland and the EU.