MIG / MAG Welding
There are 2 types of metal shielding gas welding, which differ in the shielding gases used:
Metal inert gas welding (MIG, inert shielding gas) and metal active gas welding (MAG, active shielding gas).
MIG means metal inert gas welding. Here, no active gas but only an inert gas (argon, helium, or their mixtures) is supplied to keep atmospheric oxygen away from the weld seam. These shielding gases are required for welding non-ferrous metals and aluminium alloys.
In metal active gas welding (MAG), either CO2 or a mixed gas of argon, CO2 and O2 is used to influence the weld joint according to specific technological requirements. The active gas portion in MAG welding ensures, on the one hand, high heat transfer and, on the other hand, a slight enrichment of the weld metal with carbon. The MAG welding process is used for low and higher alloyed steels.
This table shows which shielding gases are recommended for different materials and welding processes. It helps you quickly choose the suitable gas for steel, stainless steel or aluminium – whether pure CO₂, argon or a mixed gas. This ensures optimal welding results, clean seams and prevents errors due to incorrect gas selection.
| Material | Welding process | Shielding gas |
| Steel | MAG | 100 % CO2 |
| Steel | MAG | Mixed gas, e.g. 82 % argon / 18 % CO2 |
| Stainless steel | MAG | Mixed gas, e.g. 98 % argon / 2 % CO2 |
| Aluminium | MIG | 100 % argon 4.6 |
Here you will find an overview of all RED by Lorch devices for MIG-MAG welding: RED MIG-MAG welding devices
TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas Welding)
In TIG welding, pure argon is used as shielding gas in most cases. It reliably protects the arc and the weld seam from oxygen and ensures a clean, spatter-free seam with high visual quality. For special applications – for example, thick-walled components or particularly high welding speeds – argon-helium mixtures can also be used, as helium increases heat input. TIG is especially suitable for stainless steel, aluminium, copper and thin sheets.
Here you will find an overview of all RED by Lorch devices for TIG welding: RED TIG welding devices
Electrode Welding
In electrode welding, no separate shielding gas is required. The protection of the weld seam is provided by the coating of the stick electrode. This burns during welding and forms a protective gas cloud as well as a slag layer that protects the molten weld pool from atmospheric oxygen. This process is therefore particularly flexible and independent of gas cylinders – ideal for work outdoors or in hard-to-reach places.
Here you will find an overview of all RED by Lorch devices for electrode welding: RED MMA welding devices