by 
The Curious Bag
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MIG welding, which stands for "Metal Inert Gas," is an arc-welding process using a protective gas shield and a continually fed steel wire. The gas shield, which usually consists of argon, an argon/oxygen mix, carbon dioxide or a carbon dioxide/argon mix, protects the weld puddle from the atmosphere, preventing possible defects.
Features
The MIG welding process consists of the gun and cable assembly, the wire feed unit and the MIG welder.
Function
In MIG welding, a solid-steel wire is fed mechanically from the machine through the cable assembly and into the welder gun. The point of the MIG welder is electrically charged and melts the steel to form the weld puddle and create the protective gas shield.
Benefits
MIG welding can produce exceptional welds on a variety of material types and thicknesses. The process is faster because it doesn't require stopping to change rods or brush the weld surface. Clean-up also is faster because of low splatter and little slag.
History
MIG welding was developed during World War II in order to produce weapons and equipment faster.
Misconceptions
MIG welding sometimes is called GMAW, for "Gas Metal Arc Welding." The name change was made to acknowledge carbon dioxide, which is not a natural, inert gas but can be used in the process. But the welding techniques are the same, and most welders prefer the term MIG.
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