Walk into any fabrication shop and you'll hear these three terms thrown around constantly. They're all welding — but they work differently, produce different results, and suit different jobs. Here's what each one actually is, in plain language.
Process one
MIG welding — fast, versatile, high volume
MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas. A wire electrode feeds automatically from a spool through the welding gun, and the arc melts both the wire and the base metal together. A shielding gas (usually a mix of argon and CO₂) protects the weld pool from contamination in the air. MIG is fast, relatively easy to learn, and works well on most mild steel and stainless. It's the go-to for fabrication work where speed and production volume matter.
Wild fact
A skilled MIG welder can lay down weld at a rate of up to 8 kg of filler metal per hour. That's roughly the weight of a house cat deposited as molten metal, every single hour.
Process two
TIG welding — precise, clean, high quality
TIG stands for Tungsten Inert Gas. Instead of a consumable wire electrode, TIG uses a non-melting tungsten electrode to create the arc. The welder feeds filler rod into the puddle by hand with the other hand — it requires both hands and a foot pedal for heat control simultaneously. TIG is slower than MIG but produces cleaner, more precise welds with less spatter. It's the choice for stainless steel, aluminum, thin materials, and any job where weld appearance and quality are critical.
Wild fact
TIG welding was originally developed in the 1940s to weld magnesium aircraft parts for World War II. The aerospace industry needed welds so clean and strong they could handle the stresses of flight — and TIG delivered.
Process three
Stick welding — tough, portable, works anywhere
Stick welding (officially called SMAW — Shielded Metal Arc Welding) uses a coated electrode rod that melts into the weld as it burns. The coating on the rod burns off as flux, creating its own shielding gas and slag layer. No external gas bottle needed. Stick welding is slower and less clean than MIG or TIG, but it's extremely versatile — it works outdoors in wind, on rusty or dirty metal, and in tight spots where other processes can't reach. It's also the most common process for heavy structural work and pressure vessel welding.
Good to know
Rumix uses all three processes depending on the job. The right process is chosen based on the material, joint type, and quality requirements — not habit or convenience.