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3 Important Differences Between SMAW and GMAW
Admin • Oct 05, 2018
Two of the most basic and commonly used welding techniques go by the name of shielded metal arc welding and gas metal arc welding — or SMAW and GMAW for short. For those who don't work as welders, the differences between SMAW and GMAW can be quite confusing — if not downright inscrutable.
Unfortunately, such a lack of understanding often makes it hard for consumers to choose the right type of welding for their metal project. While you should always consult a professional welder for their opinion, a basic understanding of common techniques is helpful. On that note, this article takes a closer look at three key differences between SMAW and GMAW.
1. Shielding Method
Both SMAW and GMAW rely on a consumable material known as the electrode to create the weld. When exposed to intense heat, the electrode melts, leaving behind a puddle of molten metal. This metal hardens as it cools, ultimately resulting in the formation of a tough joint between the two pieces of metal.
In order to produce a strong and reliable joint, the electrode must be protected from oxidizing forces during the welding process. SMAW and GMAW differ in how they shield the molten electrode from atmospheric gases.
SMAW encases the electrode in a layer of material known as flux. As the electrode melts, the flux turns to a gas that forms a protective layer around the molten weld pool. In recognition of the flux-covered electrode used in SMAW, welders also refer to it as stick welding.
GMAW works by a very different technique. Here no layer of flux exists. Instead, the consumable electrode feeds through a tool known as the spool gun. Not only does the spool gun guide the location of the electrode, but its tip also contains holes that emit a special shielding gas — most commonly argon, helium, or carbon dioxide.
This shielding gas covers the molten electrode as it pools onto the weld surface, thus protecting it from oxidation. The shielding gas has a chemically inert nature, which means that it does not interact with the weld pool in any other way. For this reason, GMAW also goes by the name of metal inert gas welding, or MIG welding.
2. Efficiency
SMAW and GMAW both utilize quite basic techniques, meaning that even less experienced welders can usually get good results from these welding styles. Yet when it comes to laying down welds as quickly and efficiently as possible, GMAW comes out the clear winner. Several different factors contribute to the efficiency of GMAW.
First of all, the process can be undertaken with far less interruptions. In SMAW, welders must periodically stop to change out for a fresh electrode. In GMAW, by contrast, the wire electrode feeds automatically into the spool gun. This boosts productivity by eliminating the need for constant stopping and starting.
GMAW also promotes better efficiency thanks to its ability to lay down cleaner welds. With SMAW, the vaporizing flux often leaves behind unwanted deposits of slag on the weld surface. This slag must be painstakingly removed once the weld has hardened, thus increasing the total project time. The welds produced by GMAW require much less secondary cleaning.
3. Cost
GMAW tends to carry a somewhat higher overall cost than SMAW. This increased cost stems from the greater expense of both GMAW machines and the types of electrodes used in GMAW systems. In addition, the welder must maintain an appropriate stock of shielding gas, which increases the overall operations costs yet more.
Welders today still routinely use both SMAW and GMAW techniques. For more information about which welding style would best suit your project needs, please contact the metal experts at Sam's Welding Inc.
Most Popular Types of Welding
Are you hiring a welder to get something fabricated or repaired? Sam's Welding Inc. offers the following types of welding in El Cajon: Gas metal arc welding. Perhaps the most popular of them all, this method is also known by its abbreviations GMAW or MIG, for metal inert gas. It’s an average of five times faster than electrical arc methods and includes four material transfer options: spray, pulsed spray, globular and short circuiting. Shielded metal arc welding. A form of stick welding commonly known as SMAW, this process uses electrical current to form an arc between the rod and metals in production. Uses include industrial fabrication such as the construction of iron and steel structures. Gas tungsten arc welding. This method is known as TIG or GTAW and requires the most skill, as heat is continuously regulated by means of a foot pedal. If amperage is set too high, you can end up burning holes in the metal. If it’s too low, the weld won’t flow properly. It’s especially useful for combining thick pieces of stainless steel and ironless metals. Flux-cored arc welding. Unlike MIG and TIG, FCAW keeps contamination out by means of a flux. This process doesn’t require a shielding gas, can be done outdoors and is quite efficient. Working with different positions such as horizontal, vertical and tee joints requires different machine configurations. Serving San Diego, CA Whether you need several hundred pieces or just one, we’re happy to take on the project for you. We are combat veteran owned and have more than two decades of experience handling military projects with success. We serve El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, and the entire county. We have expertise with the design and fabrication of gates and fences. You’re welcome to walk into our San Diego shop or call us anytime at 619-281-2709 .
Whether you have some new projects lined up to modify and enhance your home or there are some significant repairs that need to be done to some of the metalwork, you want to have a professional metal welder on the job. There are numerous specific instances in which having welding done by a certified military group such as Sam’s Welding Inc. in El Cajon is worth your investment. Perhaps you need a car welder to perform some precise car part welding or you need to ensure the safety of a premises with some security door welding . Of course, not everything that involves metal fabrication or repair is on a large scale. More often than not, welding is needed for smaller things that see use on a daily basis, such as: Staircases Hand railings Gates Fences As far as stairs are concerned, our professionals can help with anything from a new hand railing to a completely new and complex spiral staircase. Even if the work needs to be done outside on fences and gates where the materials need to be more durable, our nearly four decades of experience in the field have given us the knowledge of how to complete jobs in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and keeps you and your loved ones safe. Serving El Cajon, La Mesa and Santee Metalwork, whether it is basic framing or a more elaborate fence job, has a large impact on our lives every day. Therefore, when the time comes in which you decide to invest in modifications, fabrications, or repairs, you’d better be sure that you have qualified people doing the work. That’s what you’ll get when you call Sam’s Welding at 619-281-2709 . If you live in El Cajon, La Mesa or Santee, ask about our walk-in and mobile services to maximize our availability to you.
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