Most people at the beginning stage of their welding might ask, do you push or pull MIG weld while welding a pool. However, this might be perplexing for rookie welders who are unsure of what to choose from these two procedures.
The toughness of the welding is generally the most important component in MIG welding. Thus, welders always show their interest in knowing more about pushing and pulling techniques or ask do you push or pull when MIG welding.
Hence, pushing while welding can result in less penetration and a much more aesthetically appealing broader, smoother seam. On the other side, pulling while welding results in a thinner, rounder seam having more in-depth penetration and slightly higher welding strength.
Nevertheless, the strength of a weld isn’t always the most critical aspect, and other considerations can impact whether to push or pull. Upcoming sections of this article will describe the major differences among push and pull approaches, as well as the benefits and drawbacks of each, as well as guide you in where and when to use or not to employ each technique. But before switching to the main question do you push or pull when MIG welding, we will briefly talk about What is MIG welding used for
What is MIG welding used for:
MIG welding has now been utilized virtually as a universal choice in the welding business. Typically, MIG welding has been used in business scaling from heavy to medium-sized including, pipelines, pressure vessels, ship construction, structural steel manufacturers, and maintenance and repair firms.
Sheet metal factories, particularly in the vehicle sector, body shops, and small-scale enterprises adopt metal inert gas or MIG welding. Moreover, these MIG welding machines are common among homeowners and enthusiasts that are looking for more attractive beads.
The difference between Push and Pull techniques:
You might not know the difference between pushing and pulling when you’re a newbie to this world of welding. It all comes down to the way you grip the welding machine and which face of the weld puddle you’re operating on.
Pulling a Weld Technique:
Typically, drag/pull is a useful strategy that has both advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- The base metal while welding has penetrated farther by the weld.
- A sturdier weld is frequently achieved by drilling deeper into the metal.
- Pulling enables us to keep an eye on the weld area. Also, if any problems arise it makes adjustments to the parameters.
Disadvantages:
- One may view and examine the weld as it forms. Though, you probably aren’t going to look at what’s gonna done ahead of it.
- Therefore, if you’re welding something that isn’t a horizontal line or having corner joints, you’ll have to pause welding periodically to examine how you’re going.
- Whenever smoothness is essential, the curved bead generated by tugging may not look as attractive and may need more grinding.
Pushing a Weld Technique:
The forward or pushing technique, similar to pulling, offers advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Pushing provides a flatter and wider bead, allowing more of it to tie onto a base material. This is due to the arc’s pressure that pushed away from the inner puddle.
- One could see what was ahead of the weld puddle using the push welding technique. While welding uneven pieces this technique can turn very crucial and tricky. As it does not follow any type of straight-line.
- Through the push weld technique, one can produce a flatter bead that is more aesthetically appealing.
Disadvantages:
- The welder cannot see it properly unless the bead is not working out well. And if that doesn’t, then there is a high chance one might have to start over.
- The more you push, the more spatter you’ll get.
- The overall strength of your weld can reduce as a result of the shallow penetration.
When to Use Push and Pull Techniques
- The welder can combine both push and pull procedures together. Situations where there is a high need for both methods. Hence, they can employ (such as angle joints) and you just want a sturdy weld without compromising aesthetics.
- Begin with a single pulling shot for in-depth penetration. Afterward, switch to a push forward pass-through for a wider. This gives a more openly pleasing look.
