At nexAir, we’re more than just a product supplier. We have the KnowHow you need to keep your business running smooth. For example, save time and money with Gasless MIG Welding by eliminating the need for compressed shielding gas tanks. We have everything you need to know about Gasless MIG Welding.

Metal Inert Gas (MIG) welding is the most common and accessible welding process in the world. When MIG welding, a pool of molten liquid, called the weld pool, is formed by an electrical arc that melts both the wire and the base metal. Essentially, a MIG welder has a motor inside that feeds the welding wire at a certain adjustable speed. Typically, a cylinder of shielding gas is attached and fed through the machine as well.

However, with a gasless MIG welder, you can weld right away with little to no set up. You just need a special welding wire called flux core wire. No shielding gas is required. This saves time and keeps the process moving by eliminating the need to set up and frequently change the cylinder. Also be sure to have your safety gear and tools at the ready!

No MIG welding can be truly gasless, as a shielding gas is necessary to prevent porosity, or holes in your weld puddle. Porosity creates a brittle and weak weld. With flux core wire you can eliminate the need for a bulky tank of gas and protect the weld puddle. That’s because the shielding gas comes from the wire itself!

While traditional MIG wire is solid and has no core, flux core welding wire comes in the form of a tube with two layers. The welding metal is on the outer layer, and the inside is filled with flux. As you begin welding, the outer wire melts and forms the weld puddle. A gas is then formed from the flux to protect the weld puddle from the surrounding air. The leftover flux also drips into the puddle, collects impurities and brings them to the top of the puddle. This forms a protective covering, or slag.

While this method of welding has many perks, there are some limitations when it comes to welding with a gasless MIG welder. The process runs at a higher temperature than normal MIG welding, so welding thin, mild steel may cause the weld puddle to burn through. You are also unable to weld aluminum without a compressed argon gas cylinder because the metal is so reactive to the environment.

Luckily, with some gasless MIG welders, you can install upgraded parts to include an optional gas cylinder for jobs that require aluminum welding or welding on thin steel. There are also MIG welders that can operate gasless or with a compressed gas cylinder. At nexAir, we have the KnowHow to help you select the perfect tools for the job!

Contact us today and we can help you Forge Forward and protect the puddle with gasless MIG welding today!