Semi-automatic welding machine

MIG/MAG

— welding using semi-automatic devices. The role of the electrode in them is played by a thin wire, which is automatically fed to the welding site through a special nozzle; the burning of the arc occurs in a shielding gas environment, which also enters the welding site through a nozzle from a cylinder connected to the apparatus. The abbreviation MIG stands for inert gas, MAG stands for active; the first option is used mainly for non-ferrous metals, the second for ferrous metals (although there are details here as well). The gas shell prevents the harmful effect of the atmosphere on the seam, which, in combination with the small thickness of the electrode, ensures a fairly high quality of the connection. In addition, the semi-automatic welding procedure itself is faster and more convenient than traditional manual welding. Among the shortcomings, it is worth noting the rather high cost of the devices, as well as the need to connect cylinders (although in extreme cases self-shielded wire can also be used that does not require the use of gas).