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Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)

Last updated May 19, 2025, generated by Sumble

What is Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)?

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), also known as MIG welding, is a welding process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable MIG wire electrode and the workpiece metal(s), which heats the workpiece metal(s), causing them to melt and join. Along with the wire electrode, a shielding gas is fed through the welding gun, which shields the process from contaminants in the air. The process can be semi-automatic or automatic. GMAW is commonly used in manufacturing, construction, and automotive repair due to its speed, versatility, and suitability for welding a wide range of metals.

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What other technologies are related to Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)?

Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) Competitor Technologies

Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW)

GTAW is a competing arc welding process, although it's generally used for higher precision and different materials than GMAW. It is another method for joining metals using an electric arc and shielding gas, but uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode.

mentioned alongside Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in 61% (151) of relevant job posts

Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW)

SMAW is a competing arc welding process that is widely used due to its simplicity and portability. It uses a consumable electrode covered in flux to create the weld, and is a lower cost alternative to GMAW but can be less efficient and precise.

mentioned alongside Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in 51% (115) of relevant job posts

Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)

FCAW is a competing arc welding process, that also uses a consumable electrode, but with a flux core. It can be self-shielded or gas-shielded, and is often used in heavy industrial applications as an alternative to GMAW.

mentioned alongside Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) in 53% (82) of relevant job posts