There is no best process, only the right one
The question is not which process is best, but what you will weld, how much and where. With those three answers the choice almost makes itself.
MIG/MAG: productivity
The wire feeds itself and you never stop to change a rod. It is the production process: structures, fabrication, bodywork, long runs.
- Advantage: high deposition and a fast learning curve.
- Needs: shielding gas and a shop sheltered from wind.
- Pulse and double pulse: control the heat input. Less distortion on thin sheet, less spatter and a TIG-like bead on stainless and aluminium.
TIG: precision and finish
The cleanest, most controllable arc. It is the process for stainless, pipe, food-grade work and anything that will be seen.
- DC: carbon steel, stainless, copper and titanium.
- AC/DC: essential for aluminium and magnesium.
- Needs: skill and patience. The slowest process, but the best finish.
Stick (MMA): where nothing else reaches
No gas, no spool, wind and height are no problem. It is the process for job sites, maintenance and outdoor structures.
- Advantage: light, rugged machine that welds dirty or rusty steel better than anything.
- Needs: slag removal and acceptance of a coarser finish.
Quick table
| If your priority is… | Process |
|---|---|
| Producing metres of bead | MIG/MAG |
| Visible finish, stainless or pipe | TIG DC |
| Aluminium | TIG AC/DC or pulsed MIG |
| Site work, outdoors, no gas | Stick |
| One machine for everything | Multiprocess |
Why a multiprocess
A HELIOS multiprocess puts MIG/MAG, TIG and stick in one power source. If your work changes from one day to the next, it is the investment that never falls short.
