Which description best characterizes GMA (MIG) welding?

• A. Shielded Metal Arc Welding
• B. Flux-Cored Arc Welding
• C. Tungsten Inert Gas Welding
• D. Gas Metal Arc Welding

Answer: (D)

Gas Metal Arc Welding, known as MIG welding, uses a continuous wire electrode fed through a welding gun with shielding gas supplied from a bottle to protect the arc. This setup—solid wire electrode plus external shielding gas—defines MIG/GMAW and distinguishes it from other processes. Shielded Metal Arc Welding relies on a flux-coated stick electrode, which creates slag; Flux-Cored Arc Welding uses a hollow wire with flux inside, often needing less external shielding; Tungsten Inert Gas Welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode with inert gas shielding and is typically more precision-focused. In collision repair, MIG is favored for speed and ease on sheet metal, which aligns with how GMAW is described.