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INERT-gas metal-arc welding was first developed in 1926 with a nonconsumable tungsten electrode and achieved commercial importance in the early 1940's. This process, now popularly known at TIG welding and used first for joining magnesium, achieved extensive use for fabricating aluminum alloys. After its initial success with these materials, it was applied to ferrous metals. By the late 40's, a consumable electrode was substituted for the nonconsumable electrode and again the initial application was on aluminum alloys. Subsequently, this process, which is popularly known as MIG welding, was used commercially for joining ferrous metals and was applied first to stainless steel and then to carbon steel. Both processes have been increasing in importance in the welding industry and now find widespread use for all the ordinary metals of commerce.