PROCESS COMPARISONChoose for the job.
Choose for the job.
Understand the trade-off.
Every process has a place. Compare what it brings to the work rather than searching for one universal winner.
| Process | Often considered for | Shielding | Practical trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| MIG / MAG | Workshop fabrication and repeated joints | External gas | Continuous wire feed; protect the shielding from draughts |
| TIG | Controlled joints, thin material and visible finish | Inert shielding gas | Precise control; more coordination and usually slower deposition |
| Stick / MMA | Suitable outdoor steel work and portable setups | Flux-coated electrode | Electrode changes, slag removal and consumable selection |
| Self-shielded flux-core | Suitable field fabrication using approved wire | Flux within the wire | No separate shielding bottle; slag and wire-specific setup |
| Gas-shielded flux-core | Suitable industrial fabrication | Flux and external gas | Higher-deposition applications; still needs reliable gas protection |
Based on primary process education from TWI and Miller. Process guide and sources ↗ · Flux-core guide and sources ↗
THE PROCESS FINDERA better place
A better place
to start.
Tell us what is on your bench.
Explore a process worth considering.
Strength is a joint requirement. A process name or attractive bead does not prove strength. Material, design, procedure and inspection determine whether the joint is suitable.