Is It Better to Weld Aluminum with Mig or Tig?

MIG and TIG are the most popular welding process used in the welding industry. However, not both of them work perfectly and well for every type of metal. For example, if it is aluminum, then surely not both of them will work fine. Here comes the question is it better to weld aluminum with MIG or TIG? You need to know the best welder for aluminum so that you can achieve the best result.

Since welding is a subtle task, a single mistake can ruin the beauty of the welding. That is why it is important for you to choose the right welding. Stick to the article until the end to find out the right welding process.

Table of Contents

Is it better to weld aluminum with MIG or TIG?

In terms of welding the aluminum, both have some benefits and problems. When you know those benefits and problem and compare those, you can understand which one will be better for you.

AC and DC current

TIG welder comes with DC current most of the time. However, to weld aluminum properly, you need both AC and DC capabilities. Unfortunately, TIG welder does not come with that facility where MIG welder can offer you that option. As a result, it works effectively to weld aluminum that TIG welder cannot.

Diversity

So, is it better to weld aluminum with MIG or TIG? Well, when it comes to diversity, MIG welding is better for aluminum. TIG welding cannot weld both thick and thin aluminum. Even in some cases, it cannot even weld think aluminum. As a result, the TIG welder is unable to effectively weld aluminum with other metals. On the other hand, for MIG welder, it is possible to weld both the thick and thin aluminum effectively. Even since MIG can weld other popular metals as well, it can weld aluminum with other metals too. That means it offers more versatility than TIG.

Aesthetic look

Though TIG welding cannot ensure good quality aluminum welding for sure, however, it provides a good look. That means it delivers a smoother finish which makes it a good option for subtle work. If you are looking for a better aesthetic look, then the TIG welding will be better for you. On the other hand, MIG welders are designed for tough and large amounts of work. As a result, it does not deliver a smoother finish that cannot bring you an aesthetic look. That means if you need to work for a large welding process for aluminum, a MIG welder will be a better choice.

Speed

Since MIG welder works for larger projects, it is designed to work faster. Even it is possible to work continuously with the MIG welder compared to TIG welding. This is because you have to feed the wire by hand. Even if you move the weld pool faster with the feeding wire, you cannot get a good speed at all. It will make the welding even worse. Since MIG welder works faster, you have to make sure that the penetration is not less.

Weld quality

When it comes to quality, of course, the TIG welder will win here. TIG welder takes too much time to get the job done. Also, it is specially designed for subtle work with thin metal. As a result, you can achieve good quality welding for aluminum if possible. On the contrary, MIG welder works faster and is designed for larger projects. As a result, the quality will fall down here. So if you want good quality welding for a small project with thin aluminum, TIG welder will be better where for larger projects, MIG welder will win for sure.

Conclusion

So, is it better to weld aluminum with MIG or TIG? Well, in most situations, a MIG welder is superior to a TIG welder for aluminum. Now if you are looking for a welder that can work perfectly in a larger aluminum welding project with higher efficiency and higher speed, then the MIG welder will be better. On the other hand, if you are in need of a welder that will slightly work find with a thin aluminum project, then a TIG welder will be better for sure. So consider your need and choose a welder based on your need. We have portrayed some good and bad sides of both the welder so that you can understand which one will be better for your aluminum welding project.