Double Pulse MIG Heavy Industrial Digital 500A GMAW Welding Machine

The most common materials used in MIG welding are listed below:

Copper is a soft, malleable metal used in plumbing and electrical applications. MIG welding is the preferred process for welding copper. However, the heat required to weld copper is about twice that of steel where the heat temperature makes it easier and possible. 

Aluminum is a soft, silvery, non-ferrous metal. Welding aluminum requires 100% pure argon gas. Aluminum welding can be difficult as the melt pool can quickly burn through the part and drip out the other side. For more information, see our guide on Aluminum Characteristics.

Steels are alloys made mainly of iron and carbon, usually also including sulfur and phosphorus. When welding steel, it is advised not to use 100% argon gas for shielding but rather 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide. This is because 100% argon gas will reduce the ductility of the weld. To learn more, see our guide on the Properties of Steel.

Nickel alloys are composed of nickel and usually chromium, iron, molybdenum, and/or copper. Usually, 100% argon gas is used to weld nickel alloys. However, when more energy is required, up to 40% helium can be used. For more information, check out our guide on Nickel Alloy.