The main differences between MAG and MIG welding

The main differences between MAG and MIG welding are the composition of the shielding gas, the applicable welding materials, the pre-welding cleaning requirements and the selection of welding power sources.
Shielding gas composition
MIG welding uses an inert shielding gas, such as argon (Ar) or helium (He), which does not participate in the welding process and only serves to isolate the air. MAG welding uses an active shielding gas, usually a small amount of oxidizing gas, such as oxygen (O2) or carbon dioxide (CO2), added to argon. These gases participate in the welding process and can improve arc stability and weld formation.

Applicable welding materials
MIG welding is particularly suitable for welding materials such as aluminum and aluminum alloys, copper and copper alloys, and stainless steel, because inert gas protection can prevent these active metals from reacting with oxygen at high temperatures. MAG welding is mainly suitable for welding ferrous metals such as carbon steel, alloy steel and stainless steel because it uses active gases.

Pre-welding cleaning requirements
MIG welding has stricter requirements for pre-welding cleaning because welding under inert gas protection has a lower tolerance for contaminants. In contrast, the pre-welding cleaning requirements for MAG welding are more relaxed.

Selection of welding power source
MIG welding is not suitable for alternating current because the melting of the welding wire is not equal in each half cycle. The welding power source for MAG welding can be both direct current and alternating current.

The difference between MAG and MIG welding lies in the composition of the shielding gas, the applicable welding materials, the pre-welding cleaning requirements and the selection of welding power source. It should be noted that although MAG welding has advantages in some aspects, it also has certain limitations. For example, MAG welding with CO2 mixed in the shielding gas is difficult to use for metals such as aluminum alloys, copper alloys, titanium alloys, stainless steel, etc. that are easy to react chemically with CO2. Generally speaking, it is mainly used for iron materials.