What does MIG stand for?

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas, which is a process used in welding to create an electric arc between a continuously fed wire electrode and the workpiece, thereby melting both the wire and the base materials to form a weld. The term "inert" in MIG refers to the type of shielding gas used, which is typically a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide. This gas surrounds the weld area to protect it from atmospheric contamination, which can affect the quality of the weld. Understanding that MIG specifically refers to the use of inert gases in the welding process helps highlight its significance in producing clean, strong welds in various metals.