Why is MIG called CO₂ welding in India?

Because most mild steel MIG welding here uses pure carbon dioxide as the shielding gas. Strictly, with CO₂ it is MAG welding; with argon it is MIG.

Can a MIG machine weld aluminium?

Yes, with aluminium wire, pure argon gas and a suitable wire feeder (often a spool gun or push-pull torch). Pulse MIG machines do it best.

MIG welding machine: how it works, amps and uses

A MIG welding machine feeds a continuous wire electrode through a torch while a shielding gas protects the weld. In India it is often called a CO₂ welding machine because carbon dioxide is the usual gas for mild steel. It welds faster than stick welding and is the workhorse of fabrication shops.

Quick facts

Process: Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), MIG / MAG
Gas: CO₂ or argon-CO₂ mix for steel; argon for aluminium
Wire: Usually 0.8–1.2 mm (0.0315–0.0472 inch) copper-coated steel wire (ER70S-6)
Typical ratings: About 250–500 A
Thickness: About 1–20 mm (0.0394–0.787 inch) and more, with several passes
Duty cycle: Percentage of 10 minutes it can weld at a given current

MIG, arc or TIG?

Process	Best for	Speed
MIG / CO₂	Shop fabrication of mild steel, medium thickness	Fast
Manual arc (stick)	Site work, outdoors, thick sections	Slower
TIG	Thin sheet, stainless, aluminium, neat visible welds	Slowest

Choosing a machine

Current rating for the thickest work: about 300–400 A suits most fabrication
Duty cycle at that current (60% or more for production)
Inverter machines are lighter and more efficient
Pulse MIG for thin sheet, stainless and aluminium

Typical uses

Frames, stands, guards and machine bases
Tanks and structural fabrication
Automotive and agricultural equipment
Robotic welding cells for repeat parts

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Questions

Why is MIG called CO₂ welding in India?: Because most mild steel MIG welding here uses pure carbon dioxide as the shielding gas. Strictly, with CO₂ it is MAG welding; with argon it is MIG.
Can a MIG machine weld aluminium?: Yes, with aluminium wire, pure argon gas and a suitable wire feeder (often a spool gun or push-pull torch). Pulse MIG machines do it best.

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 15 October 2026.