Basic MIG Welding.
Good weld quality and weld profile depends on gun angle, direction of travel, electrode exten
sion (stick out), travel speed, thickness of base metal, wire feed speed (amperage) and arc voltage.
To follow are some basic guides to assist with your setup.
Gun Position - Travel Direction, Work Angle
Gun position or technique usually refers to how the wire is directed at the base metal, the angle and
travel direction chosen. Travel speed and work angle will determine the characteristic of the weld bead
profile and degree of weld penetration.
Push Technique - The wire is located at the leading edge of the weld pool and pushed towards the un
melted work surface. This technique offers a better view of the weld joint and direction of the wire into
the weld joint. Push technique directs the heat away from the weld puddle allowing faster travel speeds
providing a flatter weld profile with light penetration - useful for welding thin materials. The welds are
wider and flatter allowing for minimal clean up/ grinding time.
Perpendicular Technique - The wire is fed directly into the weld, this technique is used primarly for auto
mated situations or when conditions make it necessary. The weld profile is generally higher and a deeper
penetration is achieved.
Drag Technique - The gun and wire is dragged away from the weld bead. The arc and heat is concentrat
ed on the weld pool, the base metal receives more heat, deeper melting, more penetration and the weld
profile is higher with more build up.
(A) Push Technique
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:
I
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flat even weld profile
light penetration
(B) Gun Perpendicular
travel direction
narrower weld profile
even penetration
(C) Drag Technique
wire pointed back into bead
narrow higher weld profile
more penetration
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