During which welding process is gas shielding primarily used to protect the weld area?

Gas shielding is an essential aspect of certain welding processes, particularly in protecting the weld area from oxidation and contamination during the welding operation. In the case of MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding and TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding, inert gases such as argon or carbon dioxide are used to create a protective atmosphere around the molten weld area.

In MIG welding, the process uses a continuous wire feed as an electrode, and the inert gas shields the molten pool from the surrounding air, preventing unwanted reactions that could weaken the weld. Similarly, in TIG welding, a non-consumable tungsten electrode is used, and the gas shielding protects not only the weld pool but also the electrode itself.

Both MIG and TIG rely on gas shielding to ensure the quality and integrity of the weld. This makes the option that encompasses both processes the correct response, as gas shielding is a common and vital practice in both welding techniques. Other welding methods, such as SMAW (Shielded Metal Arc Welding), utilize a different mechanism for protection, typically through a flux covering that produces a gaseous shield but does not involve an external gas supply like the other two methods. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the shared reliance on gas shielding in MIG and TIG welding processes