MIG or arc welding: which is better?

MIG (CO₂) welding is faster and cleaner for most shop fabrication; manual arc welding is simpler, works outdoors and suits site work and thick sections. The drawing or the fabricator usually decides.

How is fabrication job work priced?

Most often per kg of finished weight, which covers steel, cutting, welding and basic finish. Complex or precise work is quoted per piece.

Why do welded frames distort?

Weld metal shrinks as it cools and pulls the steel. Good fixtures, a balanced welding sequence and machining after welding keep critical sizes right.

MS fabrication and welding job work: process and tips

MS fabrication and welding job work turns mild steel plates, sections and pipes into frames, stands, guards, tanks and machine bases. The fabricator cuts and bends the steel, fits the parts together, welds them (usually MIG or arc welding) and finishes them by grinding, shot blasting or painting.

Quick facts

Common welding: MIG / MAG (CO₂), manual arc (stick), TIG for thin or visible joints
Materials: Mild steel plates, angles, channels, pipes, IS 2062
Typical tolerance: About ±1–2 mm (±0.0394–0.0787 inch) on overall size; tighter after machining
Finishing: Grinding, shot blasting, primer and paint, powder coating
Usually priced: Per kg of finished weight, or per piece
Input: Drawing with sizes, weld symbols and finish

How a fabricated part is made

Cutting: shearing, saw, gas, plasma or laser cutting
Forming: bending on a press brake, rolling plates into cylinders
Fit-up: parts are tacked together, often in a jig or fixture
Welding: full welds as per the drawing; distortion is controlled by the welding sequence
Straightening and stress relieving where needed
Machining of faces and holes that must be accurate (after welding)
Finishing: grinding, blasting, primer, paint or powder coating

What decides the price

Total steel weight and the steel rate
Amount of welding (length and size of welds)
Accuracy needed and whether faces are machined after welding
Finish: plain, painted or powder coated
Quantity: a jig makes repeat batches faster and more consistent

What to send the fabricator

A drawing with all sizes and the material (e.g. IS 2062 E250)
Weld symbols, or at least which joints are fully welded
Which faces or holes must be machined after welding
Paint or coating and colour
Quantity and whether repeat orders are expected

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Questions

MIG or arc welding: which is better?: MIG (CO₂) welding is faster and cleaner for most shop fabrication; manual arc welding is simpler, works outdoors and suits site work and thick sections. The drawing or the fabricator usually decides.
How is fabrication job work priced?: Most often per kg of finished weight, which covers steel, cutting, welding and basic finish. Complex or precise work is quoted per piece.
Why do welded frames distort?: Weld metal shrinks as it cools and pulls the steel. Good fixtures, a balanced welding sequence and machining after welding keep critical sizes right.

The figures on this page are typical values for guidance, written by Diemeco from standard engineering practice. They are not a specification: confirm grades and properties with the relevant standard or the supplier's mill test certificate, and tolerances with your workshop. Last checked 9 October 2026.