English Abbreviations

Meaning

TIG

Argon arc welding

MIG

Argon-shielded welding

MAG

CO2/mixed-gas shielded welding

GMAW

Gas metal arc welding (general term)

SMAW

Manual metal arc welding (stick welding)

FCAW

Flux-cored arc welding

SAW

Submerged arc welding

LBW

Laser beam welding

Principle

Uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and inert gas (e.g., argon) shielding; the arc melts the base metal, while filler material is manually fed into the weld pool.

Characteristics

Produces clean, aesthetically pleasing welds with a small heat-affected zone; suitable for precision welding, though it requires high skill and offers lower efficiency.

Applications

Non-ferrous metals (stainless steel, aluminum alloys, titanium alloys) and precision components requiring high weld quality and appearance.

Principle

Uses a solid wire as both the electrode and filler material; employs inert gas shielding and continuous wire feeding.

Characteristics

High efficiency, good weld bead formation, and minimal spatter; suitable for all-position welding, though sensitive to environmental conditions (requires wind protection).

Applications

Metals such as stainless steel, aluminum, and copper; suitable for mass production and automated welding.

Principle

Similar to MIG, but uses active gas (e.g., CO2 or gas mixtures) for shielding; the gas participates in metallurgical reactions.

Characteristics

More stable arc, deeper penetration, and lower cost, though it produces relatively more spatter.

Applications

Carbon steel, low-alloy steel, etc.; commonly used in steel structures, automotive manufacturing, and similar fields.

Principle

A general term encompassing both MIG and MAG; welding is achieved via gas shielding and the melting of the welding wire.

Characteristics

Combines the advantages of MIG and MAG; offers a wide application range with flexible choices for gas and wire types.

Applications

Various metals and alloys; suitable for semi-automatic or automatic welding.

Principle

Uses a flux-coated electrode; an arc is generated between the electrode and the base metal, while the coating produces shielding gas and slag.

Characteristics

Simple, portable equipment; capable of all-position welding; however, efficiency is low, weld quality depends heavily on the welder's skill, and slag formation is common.

Applications

Construction, maintenance, and field operations; suitable for carbon steel, cast iron, etc.

Principle

Uses flux-cored wire containing internal flux; during welding, the flux generates shielding gas and slag, allowing for either self-shielding or gas-shielded operation.

Characteristics

High deposition rate, strong resistance to porosity, and suitable for thick-plate welding; however, it produces fumes, requiring ventilation.

Applications

Shipbuilding, bridge construction, and heavy equipment maintenance; suitable for carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.

Principle

The arc burns beneath a layer of granular flux; the wire is fed automatically, and the melting flux forms shielding gas and slag.

Characteristics

Extremely high efficiency, consistent weld quality, and no arc glare or fumes; however, the equipment is complex, and it is suitable primarily for long, straight welds in the flat position.

Applications

Thick-plate welding, pressure vessels, bridges, and other large structures; suitable for carbon steel, stainless steel, etc.

Principle

Uses a focused laser beam to melt the base material, achieving precision welding.

Characteristics

High precision, small heat-affected zone, minimal deformation, and suitability for automation; however, equipment costs are high, and there are strict requirements for workpiece surface cleanliness.

Applications

Aerospace, electronics, medical devices, precision sheet metal fabrication, etc.; suitable for a wide range of metals and alloys.