What is one type of shielding gas commonly used in MIG welding?

Argon is a commonly used shielding gas in MIG welding due to its effectiveness in protecting the weld area from atmospheric contamination. It is an inert gas, meaning that it does not react with the molten metal, thereby providing a stable arc and producing a clean and high-quality weld. Argon is particularly beneficial for welding non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and magnesium, where maintaining the integrity of the weld is crucial.

In MIG welding processes, shielding gases are essential for preventing oxidation and other reactions that could compromise the strength and appearance of the weld. Argon helps create a favorable environment for the welding process by ensuring that the heat-generated from the weld does not cause undesirable changes in the metal being worked on.

While carbon dioxide can also be used as a shielding gas in MIG welding, it tends to produce more spatter and a less stable weld compared to argon, which is why argon is often the preferred choice for certain applications.