MIG (metal inert gas) welding is typically faster than TIG (tungsten inert gas) welding. It also produces cleaner welds and is better suited for long welding tasks than stick welding. Also known as wire-feed welding, MIG welding can be used on workpieces with a wide range of thicknesses and is commonly used in manufacturing and auto repair. Consumable electrode wire is fed through a MIG gun, and the gun is connected to a MIG welder that supplies current to the gun. The operator uses the gun to bring the wire near the workpiece and generate an arc that melts and fuses material from the workpiece and wire to create a weld. GMAW (gas metal arc welding) requires shielding gas to keep contaminants out of the molten weld pool. FCAW (flux-cored arc welding) uses electrode wire with a flux core that protects the weld pool from contaminants. MIG consumables include nozzles, contact tips, and other parts that attach to a MIG gun and need to be replaced as they become worn or clogged.