A typical shielding gas for MAG welding with these types of consumables is a mixture of argon (Ar) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Another alternative is a shielding gas consisting of 100% CO2, which can be an alternative in certain situations for MAG welding with flux cored wires.

The proportions of argon and carbon dioxide in Ar/CO2 mixtures are related to the type of arc that is applied. Some mixtures are optimized for welding with a specific arc. Others can attain favorable results when welding with more than one arc type.

The three principal arc types that are feasible during MAG welding are short arc, spray arc and pulsed arc. Solid wires, flux cored wires and metal cored wires are feasible for these three kinds of arcs.