What type of welding machine do you primarily use?

When choosing a welding machine, the wrong type can waste time, increase defects, and drive up costs. Many factories still use traditional methods, even when a better option exists.

I primarily rely on fiber laser welding machines—they deliver ultra‑clean, narrow welds with minimal heat distortion, ideal for high‑volume settings. Their speed and precision consistently outperform TIG in production lines.

Many people don’t realize that choosing the right welding technology isn’t just about the material—it’s about speed, precision, and long-term reliability. That’s why we use laser welding at Kirin Laser. Let me show you why it works.

What type of welding is commonly used?

Many factories still use TIG or MIG, thinking they are the only real options. But in high-volume or precision work, these methods fall short.

Today, TIG, MIG, and increasingly fiber laser welding are the most commonly used welding methods in industrial settings. The choice depends on the material, finish quality, and production volume.

Why laser welding is replacing older methods

Let’s look at the three major types:

TIG Welding (Tungsten Inert Gas)

• Known for clean, strong welds
• Slow and labor-intensive
• Requires high operator skill

MIG Welding (Metal Inert Gas)

• Faster than TIG
• Suitable for mild steel and aluminum
• More spatter, less precision

Fiber Laser Welding

• Non-contact, high-speed
• Minimal heat-affected zone (HAZ)¹
• Ideal for stainless steel, aluminum, thin metals

Method	Speed	Precision	HAZ	Skill Required
TIG	Low	High	Medium	High
MIG	Medium	Medium	High	Medium
Laser (Fiber)	High	Very High	Low	Low to Medium

At Kirin Laser, we often recommend fiber laser welding to clients in medical, electronics, and battery industries. One customer in medical devices was facing micro-cracks from TIG welding². After switching to our fiber laser system, their defect rate dropped by over 60%. And they doubled their production line speed.

What is the most common welding machine?

Many think the most common machine must be the best. But the most popular isn’t always the most efficient or modern.

The most commonly used welding machines in general industry are MIG welders. However, for precision applications, especially in electronics, automotive, and medical sectors, fiber laser welding machines are quickly becoming the go-to choice.

What’s common isn’t always optimal

MIG welders dominate general manufacturing and fabrication. They’re cheap and fast. But when the job needs higher accuracy, things change.

Here’s how common machines compare:

Welding Machine	Common Use	Pros	Cons
MIG Welder3	General fabrication	Fast, cheap, easy to use	Lower precision, more spatter
TIG Welder4	Aerospace, thin metals	High quality, clean welds	Slow, hard to master
Fiber Laser Welder5	Precision & automation tasks	Precise, clean, fast	Higher initial cost

Many of our customers began with MIG or TIG setups. But once they saw how fiber laser welding worked—especially for high-end parts or automated lines—they switched. We even offer OEM options so customers can rebrand and integrate them into their own production systems.

What is arc MIG and TIG welding?

People often confuse arc welding with specific methods like MIG and TIG. All are related, but they aren’t the same.

Arc welding is a broad term that includes MIG and TIG. It uses an electric arc to join metals. MIG uses a consumable wire feed, while TIG uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and separate filler.

Breaking down the basics of arc-based welding

Let’s clarify the relationships:

Arc Welding

This is the parent category. It uses an electric arc to melt the base material.

MIG (Metal Inert Gas)⁶

• Wire fed continuously
• Good for thicker materials
• Semi-automatic

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas)⁷

• Uses non-consumable tungsten
• Ideal for thin materials
• Requires more skill

Feature	MIG	TIG
Electrode	Consumable wire	Non-consumable tungsten
Shielding Gas	Argon/CO2	Argon
Application	Construction, fabrication	Aerospace, precision welding
Learning Curve	Medium	High

At Kirin Laser, we respect arc welding’s legacy—but we’ve moved forward. Laser welding machines do the same work with more control, less mess, and faster results.

What are the four types of welding machines?

People often ask if there are only one or two machine types. But each method has its own machine, and laser welding adds a fifth modern option.

The four primary types of welding machines are MIG, TIG, Stick (SMAW), and Flux-Cored (FCAW). Each has different uses based on materials, thickness, and budget. Laser welding is often considered a fifth category for high-end applications.

Understanding the core machine types

Here’s a breakdown:

MIG (Metal Inert Gas) Welder

• Easy to use, fast setup
• Best for steel and aluminum

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) Welder

• Precision work
• Clean, controlled welds

Stick Welder (SMAW)

• Oldest and most rugged
• Works outdoors, less clean

Flux-Cored Welder (FCAW)

• Similar to MIG but uses flux core wire
• No shielding gas needed

Welding Type	Best For	Environment	Maintenance
MIG	Thin metals, fabrication	Indoors	Low
TIG	Clean welds, thin metals	Clean shop	Medium
Stick	Heavy-duty jobs, outdoor	Outdoors	Low
Flux-Cored	Construction, repair work	Indoors/Outdoors	Medium

At Kirin Laser, we work with distributors who used to rely only on these four. But now, many of them have added a fifth—fiber laser welding⁸—to serve industries that demand cleaner, faster results. We offer full OEM support for those looking to enter this growing segment.

Conclusion

Traditional welding machines still dominate many factories, but fiber laser welding⁹ is changing the game. It's cleaner, faster, and more precise. At Kirin Laser, we’ve helped partners across industries—from medical to guitar manufacturing—improve results and reduce defects with our fiber laser systems. If you're still using TIG or MIG, it may be time to take the next step.