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    MIG Welding Vs TIG Welding

    Welding is a fabrication process where high heat is used to join materials. Heat melts materials, and two or more of them are fused together as they cool down. Welding is used on metals and thermoplastics. 

    There are different welding methods, of which the two most popular ones are MIG welding and TIG welding. Both have similar-sounding names; they use an arc and a shielding gas. 

    For welders, the right method can help them do their job better. 

    What is MIG Welding?

    MIG stands for metal inert gas. The process is sometimes also called gas metal arc welding (GMAW). It uses a semi-automatic or automatic arc in the welding process. A continuous and consumable wire, which acts as both electrode and filler material, is fed through a welding gun or torch.

    The wire diameter varies depending on the materials you want to fuse. Another factor that affects the process is the wire feed speed or the speed that determines the amount of weld metal that comes out of the torch to melt and join materials. 

    The shielding gas is also fed through the torch. It protects the consumable fire from reacting with the oxygen, humidity, and moisture in the environment. The shielding gas is often a mix of 75% argon and 25% carbon dioxide. 

    MIG welding is preferable in joining large and thick materials. The process is fast and efficient which results in shorter lead times and more affordable production costs. 

    What is TIG Welding?

    TIG is the acronym for tungsten inert gas. It is also referred to as GTAW or gas tungsten arc welding. Much like MIG, the process uses an arc to weld but the key difference from MIG is that TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode. 

    The process also needs a separate consumable material as filler. The TIG filler rod size and composition vary depending on the materials being welded. 

    The shielding gas is another difference between MIG and TIG welding. TIG uses 100% argon because carbon dioxide promotes tungsten oxide formation that may wear down the tungsten electrode. The TIG welding process also involves your feet since you can control welding amperage through a foot pedal. This gives TIG welding a precision advantage over MIG welding. 

    TIG welding is better for thin and light materials. It is slower than the MIG, resulting in longer lead times and higher production costs. However, the higher cost is worth it because of the finish. TIG welding is precise, resulting in a more attractive finish. 

    Which Welding Process is Better?

    It’s not really about which process is better per se, but which works better for your specific materials and applications. TIG welding offers precision, and welders can control the heat that comes out of the torch. However, for thicker and larger materials, MIG welding is preferred. It’s faster too. 

    Technical KnowHow is necessary to achieve successful and effective welding.

    Partnering with nexAir will help clients Forge Forward because they have high-quality materials manufactured through top-of-the-line technology. Getting the right tools will help you get things done, and ensure they are done right!

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    Behind every package of fresh meat, bag of pre-cut salad, and bottle of craft beer sits an invisible guardian – specialized gas mixtures that preserve flavor, extend shelf life, and ensure product safety. At nexAir, we work with food processors and packagers throughout the Southeast to develop custom gas solutions that address the unique challenges of food production. Our approach goes beyond simply supplying cylinders – we become partners in your quality control process.

    The Critical Role of Gases in Food Preservation

    Food spoilage begins the moment a product leaves the production line. Oxygen fuels bacterial growth, accelerates oxidation, and triggers enzymatic browning. Carbon dioxide inhibits microbial activity. Nitrogen displaces oxygen and maintains package integrity. Understanding the precise balance needed for each food product requires specialized knowledge of both gas properties and food science. Our team works at this intersection, helping you determine the optimal gas mixtures for your specific products.

    Modified Atmosphere Packaging That Preserves Natural Quality

    Consumers increasingly demand fresh, minimally processed foods without artificial preservatives. Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) allows you to meet these demands by replacing the air inside packaging with carefully calibrated gas mixtures. For red meats, we supply high-oxygen blends that maintain the bright red color consumers associate with freshness. For prepared salads and sliced produce, low-oxygen mixtures prevent wilting and browning without affecting taste or texture. Our custom MAP solutions help your products maintain their natural appearance and flavor profile throughout their shelf life.

    Ensuring Consistent Quality Through Precision Blending

    Quality control in food production demands consistency – consumers expect the same taste, appearance, and freshness with every purchase. Gas mixtures that vary from batch to batch can undermine this consistency. Our automated blending systems deliver precise gas compositions every time, eliminating the variability that can affect product quality. We regularly calibrate and certify our equipment to food-grade standards, giving you confidence that the gas touching your products meets the highest purity requirements.

    Technical Support When You Need It Most

    Production issues rarely happen during business hours. That's why our team remains available to help troubleshoot gas-related challenges whenever they arise. When a bakery customer noticed inconsistent product volume during an overnight shift, our on-call technician identified a pressure fluctuation in their carbon dioxide supply and quickly implemented a solution. This responsive support helps prevent quality control failures that could otherwise result in product loss and delivery delays.

    Partnering for Continuous Improvement

    Food trends, processing technologies, and packaging materials constantly evolve. We work with our food industry customers to regularly evaluate gas solutions against changing requirements and opportunities for improvement. Our technical team keeps you informed about innovations in gas applications that might benefit your operation. This collaborative approach helps you stay ahead of challenges and continue meeting the high-quality standards your customers expect.

    Maintaining quality control in food production requires vigilance, specialized knowledge, and reliable partners. At nexAir, we provide more than just industrial gases – we deliver application expertise, responsive service, and custom solutions that address the specific challenges of your food products. Contact our food industry specialists today to discuss how our gas solutions can strengthen your quality control program and help deliver the consistent product excellence your customers demand.

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