How To Choose MIG Welding Consumables

MIG welding is an efficient, easy-to-learn method of soldering. However, in order to do it correctly, you should be careful when seeking out one of MIG welding’s key components: the consumable. This guide will help you learn how to choose MIG welding consumables for your next weld.

Copper or Brass Nozzles?

Nozzles are a consumable that helps guide the shielding gas to the weld. Your average nozzle will be made of either copper or brass, which obviously raises the question: “Which one is better?”

Using brass nozzles is a great way to combat spatter, but it comes at a price; brass nozzles can’t work with extremely high temperatures. Copper nozzles, on the other hand, will have no problem standing up to higher temperatures.

Contact Tips and Coarse Threads

Contact tips help supply your electrode wire with an electrical current. When shopping for contact tips, consider investing in ones that have coarse threads. The reasons for this are that these coarse threads will help combat cross-threading and speed tip replacement. That being said, a great benefit to look for in a contact tip is the ability to combat heat buildup during welds. Contact tips with the ability to prevent heat buildup typically need to connect with the gas diffuser in order to do it. Another tip to keep in mind when buying contact tips: the larger the weld, the larger the contact tip should be.

Liner Replacement

Liners are what feed the electrode wire through your welding gun. When you’re choosing a liner, it’s important to go with one that guarantees a quick replacement time and no need for measuring during a replacement. That way, you won’t have to sit through extended downtimes when replacing your liner.

Additionally, when shopping for liners, make sure that the liner provides the right wire feedability for your specific welding method. Some liners will suit some methods better than others, so don’t be afraid to ask your equipment supplier about it.

Know Your Wire Size

It’s important to understand the size of your electrode wire beforehand. This is because the size of your wire plays a large role in determining the size of components like the contact tip and liners. For example, using a liner that isn’t the right size for your wire is going to lead to poor wire feeding. Similarly, the diameter of your electrode wire should match the size of the contact tip to ensure, as the name suggests, contact with the wire.

Now that you know how to choose MIG welding consumables, you’re one step closer to being ready to complete the weld. Keeping the right MIG welding accessories (such as contact tips, liners, gas hoses, and cylinder tanks for shielding gas storage) by your side will help you get the results you’re looking for from your MIG welding experience.