MIG Welding with 100% Co2 Shielding Gas

MIG welding, also known as Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is a popular welding process that uses a wire electrode and a shielding gas to create strong, durable welds. While many welders use a combination of argon and carbon dioxide (CO2) as their shielding gas, some prefer to use 100% CO2 for certain applications.

  • What Size Welding Gas Cylinder for MIG or TIG?

    • Benefits of Using 100% CO2 Shielding Gas

    Using 100% CO2 as a shielding gas for MIG welding can offer several benefits, including:

    Lower Cost: CO2 is typically less expensive than a combination of argon and CO2, making it an attractive option for welders on a budget.

    Better Penetration: CO2 can penetrate deeper into the weld than argon, making it a good choice for welding thicker materials.

    Faster Welding Speeds: CO2 produces a hotter arc than argon, which can result in faster welding speeds and increased productivity.

  • Welding Gases: Different Types & Their Uses

    • Tips for MIG Welding with 100% CO2 Shielding Gas

    If you're considering using 100% CO2 as your shielding gas for MIG welding, there are a few tips to keep in mind:

    Adjust Your Settings: Because CO2 produces a hotter arc than argon, you may need to adjust your welding settings to compensate. This may include reducing your voltage and wire feed speed to prevent burn-through.

  • MIG Welding Gas Pressure Settings

    • Watch Your Welding Angle: Welding with 100% CO2 can produce a wider and more erratic arc than argon, so it's important to pay close attention to your welding angle and maintain a consistent distance from the workpiece.

    Increase Your Travel Speed: Because CO2 produces a hotter arc, you may be able to increase your travel speed without sacrificing weld quality. Experiment with different travel speeds to find the right balance between speed and quality.

    Pay Attention to Porosity: CO2 can produce more porosity in your welds than argon, so it's important to keep a close eye on your welds and address any porosity issues as soon as they arise.

  • MIG Welding with 100% Argon Shielding Gas

    • In conclusion, MIG welding with 100% CO2 shielding gas can offer several benefits, including lower cost, better penetration, and faster welding speeds. However, it's important to adjust your settings and technique to compensate for the hotter arc and increased risk of porosity. With the right approach, MIG welding with 100% CO2 can produce strong, high-quality welds that will stand up to even the toughest applications.