MIG welding is a mega-useful skill

If you’re pursuing a career in welding you’ll likely want to master the skill of MIG welding, a term that originally stood for “Metal Inert Gas” and stuck through the years even after other gases came into use.

Fortunately, MIG welding is one of the easiest welding processes to learn. It’s efficient because it requires neither heavy cleanup nor frequent interruptions for rod changing, slag chipping or weld brushing. It’s versatile enough to be used in multiple positions and can join everything from stainless steel to aluminum. MIG welding is most commonly used in the automotive, construction and high-production manufacturing segments, and a machine you can use in your garage is relatively inexpensive.

First used in the manufacture of weapons and equipment in WWII, the process uses a welding gun to create an electric arc between a solid steel wire electrode and two pieces of metal, effectively melting drops of metal for joining. In stick welding, carbon dioxide is formed when the flux on the electrode melts, shielding the melted metal from other gases that would otherwise cause defects. In short-circuit welding, the gas flows out of the welding gun for the same purpose.

Training in MIG welding can lead to new career paths

If you’re ready to pursue a career in welding, hands-on training is a must. Lincoln Tech offers welding instruction at nine locations. Training is focused on the latest technologies and techniques to help you start a career in a field that’s growing around the United States.