MIG stands for “metal inert gas” and was originally developed to weld aluminum and other non-ferrous parts. MIG welding technology was first developed during
World War Two to increase the productivity of manufacturing lines making weapons and equipment for the war effort. Soon after the start of the war a number companies improved MIG welding to weld parts faster and more accurately. These advances in the MIG welding process played an important role in the successful war effort by the United States and the Allies.In 1948 Battelle Memorial Institute further improved MIG welding technology with the development of GMAW welding that used a lesser diameter electrode and added of an ever-present power source. Later advances in welding technology in the 1950’s and 1960’s- including the introduction of carbon dioxide as a welding atmosphere made the welding of steel much more cost effiecient, and replaced riviting as the primary metal joining technology in manuafcturing.
