Gas metal arc welding (GMAW) sometimes referred to by its subtypes metal inert gas (MIG ) welding or metal active gas ( MAG ) welding, is a welding process in which an electric arc forms between a consumable wire electrode and the workpiece metal(s), which heats the workpiece metal(s), causing them to melt and join. Along with the wire electrode, a shielding gas feeds through the welding gun, which shields the process from contaminants in the air. The process can be semi-automatic or automatic. A constant voltage , direct current power source is most commonly used with GMAW, but constant current systems, as well as alternating current , can be used. There are four primary methods of metal transfer in GMAW, called globular, short-circuiting, spray, and pulsed-spray, each of which has distinct properties and corresponding advantages and limitations. Originally developed for welding aluminium and other non-ferrous materials in the 1940s, GMAW was soon applied to steels because