As you know, MIG welding is a bit different from stick welding, and though many consider it to be a more sophisticated and advanced method(wire as opposed to stick), there are still a number of issues that can arise, and as with anything else, there are certain fixes that you can employ in the interest of ensuring your weld project goes off without a hitch. The following are a few of the potential MIG welding issues that may occur when you are working on your welding project, and you should take them to heart, especially if you find yourself in the position of a beginner:
Pores in the Bead: The thing to understand about MIG welding is that the acronym stands for: Metal Inert Gas. This indicates that MIG welding calls for a cloud of inert gas, and this gas must surround the site during the welding process. If you are welding steel then you will need a mixture of argon gas as well as carbon dioxide, though in aluminum welds it will be important to use pure argon. Shielding the weld will determine the difference between a successful weld and an utter failure, and pores will develop in the bad if you do not take the proper shielding precautions.
Shielding is normally performed by a separate gas, and Argon is the most common choice. In some cases helium can be used, and no matter what you choose, you need to ensure that your project is somehow shielded so that your welding project does not go down the proverbial drain.
Failing Welds: A constantly failing weld can often be the result of welding two impure metals, or even two completely different metals. For example if you were to weld aluminum, you would need to wipe it down carefully to ensure that any dust particles or other debris were not present within the weld. It should also be noted that a metal core welding wire can serve to strengthen the weld and keep your project intact for the foreseeable future. It should also be noted that this action will serve to reduce slag once the project is finished.
Holes in the Weld: This is a common beginner problem and it normally results from an excessive amount of voltage. In these cases the meld may be uneven or the weld may even be seeping through the joint. Try lowering the voltage and experimenting with different levels so that you can find the perfect balance.
Joints Don’t Connect: This is a problem that usually stems from the wire feed speed, though it can also relate to the amperage. Fixing either of these may correct the issue, though you may be able to get by with fixing one depending on the previous settings.
As you can see, there are quite a few things that you will need to understand regarding MIG welding if you are to create a proper weld, and with that being the case it becomes very important for you to read up on the different welding styles and understand the methods by which you can create a decent weld. With the right amount of research and determination you should be able to avoid these common pitfalls and create a weld that will functional and enviable.