An analysis of transfer in gas-shielded welding arcs

THE commercial success of a metal-arc-welding process depends in large measure upon the mode by which molten metal is transferred from the electrode to the workpiece. Excessively large drops will produce irregular beads which, in some cases, are bounded by regions of spatter. The presence of spatter not only mars the appearance of the joint but also represents a loss in deposition efficiency. This phase of the welding problem has occupied a prominent place in arc physics research during the past decade. Motion pictures showing transfer in slow motion is a familiar tool which has contributed to our knowledge of the various patterns and modes of metallic transfer with preset welding conditions.