Characteristics of ionized gas metal arc processing

This paper presents characteristics of ionized gas metal arc processing which consists of a torch, a consumable electrode wire, shielding gases and two power sources. One of the power sources ionizes the shielding gases before supplying into the arc region and another stably produces the gas metal arc. The degree of ionization in the shielding gas is well regulated by the primary power source, and then the secondary power source is able to control the arc, including a weld pool formation, a growth of molten droplet at the electrode wire tip and its detachment. It is concluded that the ionized gas metal arc can make a stable processing of welding without spatters and fumes in comparison with the conventional gas metal arc processing. Furthermore, it is suggested that the ionized gas metal arc is very useful for not only welding but also thermal spraying for producing a fine coating of metal surface.