Stick Welding (SMAW or Shielded Metal Arc)

Stick is an arc welding process which melts and joins metals by heating them with an arc, between a covered metal electrode and the work. Shielding gas is obtained from the electrode outer coating, often called flux. Filler metal is primarily obtained from the electrode core. An AC/DC welder is recommended for Stick. For most applications, DC reverse polarity welding offers advantages over AC, including easier starts and out-of-position welding, smoother arc and fewer arc outages and sticking. Consumables: stick electrodes. 

TIG Welding (GTAW or Gas Tungsten Arc)

Often called TIG welding (Tungsten Inert Gas), this welding process joins metals by heating them with a tungsten electrode which should not become part of the completed weld. Filler metal is sometimes used and argon inert gas or inert gas mixtures are used for shielding. Consumables: tungsten electrode, filler metal, shielding gas. 

MIG (GMAW or Gas Metal Arc Welding)

MIG is an arc welding process which joins metals by heating them with an arc. The arc is between a continuously fed filler metal (consumable) electrode and the workpiece. Externally supplied gas or gas mixtures provide shielding. Common MIG welding is also referred to as short circuit transfer. Metal is deposited only when the wire actually touches the work. No metal is transferred across the arc. Another method of MIG welding, spray transfer moves a stream of tiny molten droplets across the arc from the electrode to the weld puddle. Consumables: contact tips, shielding gas, welding wire. 

Plasma Arc Cutting

This is an arc cutting process which severs metal by using a constricted arc to melt a small area of the work. This process can cut all metals that conduct electricity. Miller Spectrum cutters are complete packages that contain all required equipment and torch consumables. Consumables: torch consumables, gas or compressed air supply. 

For more information about the welding process that best suits your welding project, contact a Central Welding Supply location nearest you or call our toll-free customer service number listed on our Contact Page.