A MIG welding machine is what you want for this year. Whether you are an expert in MIG welding or you just want to get started with it, having the right equipment is essential to get the best results.
MIG is a welding process very used throughout the world. So, chances are you know about MIG welding. The new MIG inverter welding machines are a game changer for this welding process. It is understandable that you want to get a MIG welding machine. You are here to define which MIG welding machine you should get for your projects.
Why are MIG welding machines so sought after?
MIG welding machines have a lot of advantages. It is widely used in the construction, manufacturing, automotive, and aerospace industries, to name a few, due to its easiness of use, short lead times, and lower production costs.
The ideal welding process for thick and hefty metals, like the pieces used in the industries mentioned above, is MIG. In this welding process a wire works as both the electrode and the filler material. Frequently, a wire feeder is needed.
There are a number of other reasons why MIG welding is so sought after and you should know about them. Well, a group of experts has selected the following 5 MIG welding machines, so this information could help you to make the best decision. Let’s dig deeper into this.
5th place: Extreme Multimig 255
The Extreme Multimig 255 is a single-phase 220-volt multiprocess (STICK / MIG / TIG) welding equipment, ideal for carrying out both maintenance and production workshop jobs. It has the capacity to use 12” welding reels (15 kg in steel).
Highlights of the Extreme Multimig 255
Processes: MIG (GMAW), STICK (SMAW), FCAW with gas / without gas
Current Type: DC
Input Hz: 50/60Hz
Input Voltage: 220V
Shipping Dimensions: 35 x 20 x 30 inches
Weight: 99 pounds
Work Cycle: 250 Amp 60%
A few details about the Extreme Multimig 255
- Weldable materials: Steels, Stainless steel, Aluminum (using an optional Spool Gun)
- Range of recommended thicknesses in steel: From 24 gauge (0.8mm) to 1/2″ (13mm)
- Connector: The gun comes with connector type Tweco
- Digital display: Easy reading of welding voltage and amperage
- MIG Adjustments: Voltage, Wire Speed, Inductance, Trigger 2T-4T, Gas purge, Wire Feed
4th place: Ronch 250 MIG
The Ronch 250 MIG is an inverter with outstanding arc stability. Capable of loading up to 20kg of wire reel. It comes equipped with protection systems for temperature, voltage (V), and current (A) sensors. It is generator friendly and includes the function of Lost Phase Protection.
Highlights of the Ronch 250 MIG
Processes: MIG
Current Type: DC
Input Hz: 50/60
Input Voltage: 1-220/230/240 V +/-10%
Shipping Dimensions: 25 x 10 x 18 inches
Weight: 50 lbs
Work Cycle (40º C 10min): 60%250A 100%200A
A few details about the Ronch 250 MIG
The Ronch 250 MIG arc welding machine adopts the latest pulse width modulation(PWM) technology and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) power module, which can change work frequency to medium frequency so as to replace the traditional hulking work frequency transformer with the cabinet medium frequency transformer. This welding machine is characterized as portable, small in size, lightweight, low consumption and etc.
This welding machine is suitable for all positions welding for various plates made of stainless steel, carbon steel, alloyed steel, etc. It is also applied to pipe installment, mold mend, petrochemical, architecture decoration, car repair, bicycle, handicraft, and common manufacture.
The Ronch 250 MIG arc welding machine has overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheat protection functions. If any one of these situations happens, a light in the front panel will be lit and the output current will be shut off automatically to protect itself and prolong the equipment using life. Some functions that set apart the Ronch 250 MIG are:
- Digital control system
- Real-time display the welding parameters
- A high-performance multifunction power source (MIG/MAG)
- Waveform control
- Stable welding arc
- IGBT technology
- Low power dissipation
Features of the Ronch 250 MIG
- Wire Feeder: Option of 2 and 4 rolls of the wire feeder
- Big Spool: Capable of loading up to 15 kg of wire reel
- Arc Stability: Control of the waveform for greater arc stability even at low current
- Protection: Equipped with temperature, voltage, and current sensor protection systems
- Input Current (V): 1-220/230/240 +/-10%
- Frequency (Hz): 50/60
- Rated Input Power (KW): 7.3
- Rated Input Current (A): 50
- Work Without Tension (V): 47
- Current Range (A): 50 – 250
- Tension Range (A): 13.5 – 26.5
- Efficiency (%): 85
- Reel: (15 Kg)
- Wire Diameter: 0.6 / 0.8 / 0.9 / 1.0 / 1.2
- Power Factor: 0.7
- Refrigeration: AF
- Insulation Class: H
- Protection Class: IP23
3rd place: Miller Deltaweld 350
The Miller Deltaweld 350 is the standard in manufacturing for welders of all skill levels, with Intellx™ wire feeder options that deliver application-specific benefits.
Highlights of the Miller Deltaweld 350
Processes: Accu-Pulse, Flux Cored (FCAW), MIG (GMAW), Silicon Bronze
Current Type: DC
Input Hz: 60 Hz
Input Voltage: 208/230/460 V, 3-phase
Shipping Dimensions: 23 x 16 x 30 inches
Weight: 115 lbs.
Duty Cycle: 350 A at 60%
A few details about the Deltaweld 350
Intellx Elite feeder: New arc control feature means welders can produce better welds with minimal parameter adjustments.
Intellx Pro feeder: Adds Accu-Pulse®, EZ-Set, steel weld programs, and memory buttons. See it in action.
Legacy meets pulse: Pulsed MIG-capable Deltaweld with Intellx Pro feeder provides a 28-percent wider operating window and a more forgiving arc, compensating for variations in operator technique. Welders of any skill level can get into production quicker.
Easy to use: EZ-Set simplifies parameter setup based on material thickness, removing complexity and reducing welder training time.
Ready to weld: The Deltaweld 350 System is shipped as a complete package with everything you need to get welding sooner. Just hook up your primary power, add gas, wire, and a welding gun, and you’re ready to weld.
Fan-On-Demand™: Operates only when needed reducing noise, power consumption, and the number of airborne contaminants going through the machine.
Backward Compatibility: A model is available with both ArcConnect and the standard Miller 14 Pin for use with older Miller wire feeders.
Wind Tunnel Technology: Internal air flow that protects electrical components and PC boards from dirt, dust, and debris— greatly improving reliability.
ArcConnect™: Next-generation communication to improve weld performance and allow point-of-use controls to be located at the feeder.
Measures Productivity: Get visibility into your operation with easy-to-understand reports. Insight Core is available on select Deltaweld models.
Features of the Deltaweld 350
- Weldable Metals: Aluminum, Mild Steel, Stainless Steel, Steel, Most Metals
- Input Phase: 3-Phase
- Amperage: 20 A – 425 A
- Max Open Circuit Voltage: 86 VDC
- Industries Interests: Commercial Truck and Trailer, Fabrication, Heavy Equipment Manufacturing, Manufacturing, Railcar
- Portability: Lift Eye (Standard), Running Gear, Cart (Optional)
2nd place: Miller Millermatic 252
The Miller Millermatic 252 welds material from 22 gauge to 1/2 in thick in a single pass. It is the highest output in its class (250 A at 28 VDC). Weld longer on high-end applications.
Highlights of the Miller Millermatic 252
Processes: Flux Cored (FCAW), MIG (GMAW)
Current Type: DC
Input Hz: 60 Hz
Input Voltage: 208 V – 220/230/240 V
Shipping Dimensions: 19 x 30 x 40 inches
Weight: 205 lbs
Duty Cycle: 200 A at 24 VDC, 60% / 250 A at 26.5 VDC, 40%
A few details about the Millermatic 252
Large, Digital Front Panel with Built-in Digital Timers Menu: Enables operator to preset voltage and wire feed speed. Standard run-in, pre/post-flow, burn-back, spot/delay (stitch) timer menu.
Auto Gun Detect™: Miller’s Auto Gun Detect allows the operator to simply pull the trigger on the MIG gun, spool gun, or push/pull a gun. Automatically detects and recalls the voltage, wire feed speed, and timer of the active gun.
Push-Pull Gun Direct Connect: Compatible with Spoolmate 200 Series spool gun with wire feed speed control on the gun. This saves time by reducing trips back to the machine. Also compatible with a more industrial Spoolmatic 15A or 30A spool gun.
Angled, Dual-Gear Driven, Cast Aluminum Drive System: Features no-tool, quick-change reversible drive rolls, and an easy-to-set, scaled tension knob.
EZ-Change™ Low Cylinder Rack: Allows operators to easily roll cylinders on and off of the rack – no need to lift cylinders.
EZ-Access™ Consumable Compartment and Parameter Chart: Set weld parameters right the first time with a convenient new flip-down compartment that provides fast access to the parameter chart and consumables.
Larger Work Area: Now with a longer 15-ft M-25 gun.
Features of the Millermatic 252
- Weldable Metals: Aluminum (with optional spool or push-pull guns), Stainless Steel, Steel
- Material Thickness: Aluminum 14 ga. (1.9 mm) – 3/8 in. (9.5 mm) / Mild Steel 22 ga. (0.6 mm) – 1/2 in. (12.7 mm)
- Input Phase: 1-Phase
- Max Open Circuit Voltage: 38 VDC
- Amperage: 30 A – 300 A
- Input Amperage: 42 A
- Rated Output: 200 Amps at 24 VDC, 60% duty cycle,250 Amps at 26.5 VDC, 40% duty cycle
- Weld Output: CV
- Portability: Running Gear, Cart (Standard)
- Industries Interests: Racing, Customizing, Restoring, DIY, Home Hobbyist, Farm and Ranch, Manufacturing, Metal Art, Sculptures, Education, Training
Regarding the MIG wire diameter
- Stainless: 0.023 in. – 0.045 in.
- Stainless: 0.6 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Solid Steel: 0.6 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Solid Steel: 0.023 in. – 0.045 in.
- Flux Cored: 0.03 in. – 0.045 in.
- Flux Cored: 0.8 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Wire Feed Speed: 1.3 m/min – 17.8 m/min – 50 IPM – 700 IPM
- Spool Size: 12 in (305 mm)
1st place: Miller Millermatic 255
The Miller Millermatic 255 is an easy-to-use machine to increase efficiency and productivity for light manufacturing and fabrication users. It comes with a color screen featuring Auto-Set™ Elite and Pulsed MIG. This all-in-one welder connects to 208 or 240-volt input power. Welds up to 1/2” aluminum, stainless and mild steel.
Highlights of the Miller Millermatic 255
Processes: Aluminum Welding (with optional spool or push-pull guns), Flux Cored (FCAW), MIG (GMAW)
Current Type: DC
Input Hz: 50/60 Hz
Input Voltage: 208 V – 220/230/240 V
Shipping Dimensions: 14 x 20 x 27 inches
Weight: 84 lbs
Duty Cycle: 230 A at 25.5 V, 60%
Pulsed and Synchronic welding parameters
Autoline Technology
A few details about the Miller Millermatic 255
Easy-to-understand interface: 7-inch color LCD display ensures proper machine setup and parameter selection, reducing setup time and increasing weld time.
Pulsed MIG welding delivers higher quality: Lower heat input for less distortion on thin materials, less spatter minimizes post-weld grinding and rework allowing more welding time. Perform welding applications that couldn’t be done in the past.
Auto-Set™ Elite: Offers predefined weld settings to increase ease of use and ensure that the job is done right for operators of all skill levels.
The program mode allows easy saving and recall of favorite weld settings: Deliver more productivity and consistent quality by welders of all skill levels by using prequalified weld settings. Minimize the supervisor’s need to intervene.
Auto-Line™ Technology: For portability and reliability this inverter power supply allows for any single-phase input voltage hookup (208–240 V) with no manual linking, providing convenience in any job setting. Ideal solution for dirty or unreliable power.
Versatility: Capabilities include MIG, pulsed MIG, and flux-cored welding.
MDX-250 MIG Gun w/ AccuLock™ S consumables: AccuLock liner loads from the front and locks at the front and back to insure proper alignment for flawless wire feed path. The new rubber over mold and ball-and-socket handle design improves grip and reduces welder fatigue. New Industrial Bernard AccuLock™ S contact tips provide superior Spray and Pulsed MIG arc performance.
Portability: The machine only weighs 84 lb. Weight is reduced by more than 50 percent compared to the Millermatic 252.
Optional EZ-Latch™ running gear: Operators no longer need to use a lift truck to load the machine and running gear into the truck. Latches secure the machine to running gear. Simply loosen the latch retaining knob and rotate the latches to disengage the machine from the running gear for easy portability.
Generator Compatible: The Millermatic 255 will be able to operate and provide a full output when powered by generators with 12000 watts (12K) output or higher. A limited output will occur when used with smaller generators.
Features of the Miller Millermatic 255
- Weldable Metals: Aluminum(With optional spool or push pull guns), Stainless Steel, Steel
- Material Thickness: Aluminum 18 ga. (1.2 mm) – 1/2 in. (12.7 mm) / Mild Steel 24 ga. (0.5 mm) – 1/2 in. (12.7 mm)
- Input Phase: 1-Phase
- Max Open Circuit Voltage: 87 VDC
- Amperage: 20 A – 350 A
- Input Amperage: 31.4
- Rated Output: 230 A at 25.5 V, 60% duty cycle
- Weld Output: CV
- Portability: Handle(s), Running Gear, Cart (Optional)
- Industries Interests: Auto Repair, Boat, Yacht, Commercial Truck and Trailer, Education, Training, Fabrication, Farm and Ranch, Maintenance and Repair, Field Operations, Manufacturing, Metal Art, Sculptures, Racing, Customizing, Restoring
Regarding the MIG wire diameter
- Aluminum: 0.035 in. – 0.047 in.
- Aluminum: 0.9 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Stainless: 0.023 in. – 0.045 in.
- Stainless: 0.6 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Solid Steel: 0.6 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Solid Steel: 0.023 in. – 0.045 in.
- Flux Cored: 0.03 in. – 0.045 in.
- Flux Cored: 0.8 mm. – 1.2 mm.
- Silicon Bronze: 0.030 in. – 0.035 in.
- Silicon Bronze: 0.8 mm – 0.9 mm.
- Wire Feed Speed: 1.3 m/min – 20 m/min – 50 IPM – 800 IPM
- Spool Size: 12 in (305 mm)
So, what MIG welding machine is for you?
There is no one who can decide that for you because only you know your needs. Since we have explained these 5 machines in detail, you likely would want to get all of them. Each one of them has unique features that make them special.
If you want some help here, feel free to contact us. Our consultants have decades of experience in dealing with MIG welding machines.
