Which statement about MIG welding is true?

• A. It uses a consumable electrode
• B. It uses a tungsten electrode
• C. It cannot use shielding gas
• D. It cannot weld steel

Answer: (A)

MIG welding uses a consumable electrode wire that is continuously fed through the welding gun and melts to become part of the weld joint. The arc is protected by a shielding gas that flows from the gun to keep the molten metal from reacting with the air. Because the electrode is consumed during welding, there’s no separate non-consumable electrode like a tungsten tip. With the right wire and shielding gas, MIG can weld steel and many other metals. Claims about not using shielding gas, using a tungsten electrode, or being unable to weld steel don’t fit how MIG is designed.