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17
Oct

Shielding Gas 101: MIG vs TIG

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Shielding Gas 101: MIG vs TIG (When to Use MIX 8, CO2, and Argon Blends)

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Choosing the right shielding gas can make or break a weld. Whether you’re running MIG or TIG, the gas blend you select affects arc stability, bead appearance, and penetration. At Phoenix Welding Supply, we help Arizona fabricators, repair shops, and hobbyists find the ideal gas for their projects. Improving weld quality, reducing spatter, and saving time.

What Is Shielding Gas?

Shielding gas protects the molten weld pool from contamination caused by oxygen and nitrogen in the air. Without shielding, welds can become porous or brittle. The correct gas creates a clean, strong joint and consistent bead finish.

Common shielding gases include:

  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2):Budget-friendly with good penetration, but higher spatter.
  • Argon:Inert and stable, ideal for TIG welding and aluminum.
  • Mixed Gases (MIX 8 = 75% Argon / 25% CO2):A balanced option for MIG welding mild steel—smooth arc, minimal cleanup, and easy control.

MIG Welding Gas Options

MIG welding relies on the correct blend to balance penetration, bead shape, and spatter control.

  • MIX 8 (75% Argon / 25% CO2):The most popular choice for mild steel. Offers excellent arc stability, low spatter, and clean welds.
  • CO2 (100%):Delivers deeper penetration for thick steel but increases spatter. Ideal for outdoor or heavy-duty work.
  • MIX 6 (90% Argon / 10% CO2):Premium performance for spray-transfer welding and smooth bead appearance.
  • MIX 7 (85% Argon / 15% CO2):A versatile middle-ground blend—low spatter with strong penetration for production environments.

Tip: If your welds show porosity or uneven arcs, check for leaks or wire contamination before changing your gas blend.

TIG Welding Gas Options

TIG welding depends on gas purity since the tungsten electrode reacts easily to contamination.

  • 100% Argon:Standard for TIG welding aluminum, stainless, and copper.
  • Argon-Helium Mixes:Increase heat and penetration for thick non-ferrous metals.
  • Argon-Hydrogen Mixes:Used in limited stainless applications for added cleaning action.

Phoenix Welding Supply Advantage:

We stock high-purity Argon, MIX 6, 7, and 8, plus custom helium blends for specialized TIG applications. Our fill plants and delivery routes cover Phoenix, Mesa, Tucson, Flagstaff, and surrounding areas.

Metal Type Process Recommended Gas Benefits
Mild Steel MIG MIX 8 (75/25 Ar/CO2) Clean arc, easy cleanup
Stainless Steel MIG Tri-Mix (Ar/He/CO2) Strong bead, low spatter
Aluminum TIG 100% Argon Clean weld, stable arc
Thick Steel MIG CO2 (100%) Deep penetration, economical

Phoenix Arizona Welding Supply

Selecting the right shielding gas is one of the easiest ways to improve weld quality and reduce costs. Whether you’re working on production runs or weekend projects, Phoenix Welding Supply has the gas, cylinders, and expertise to keep your operation moving.

Visit your nearest branch or contact our gas specialists to get started with the right MIX for your weld.

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