4
Short Circuit (Short Arc) Welding
Short arc welding uses small wire in
the range of .030 in. (.76 mm) to .045 in. (1.1 mm) diameter and
operates at low arc lengths (low voltages)
and welding currents. A small, fast-freezing weld puddle is
obtained. This welding technique is
particularly useful for joining thin materials in any position, thick
materials in the vertical and overhead
position, and for filling large gaps. Short arc welding should also be
used where minimum distortion of the
workpiece is a requirement. Metal
is transferred from the wire to the weld pool only when contact between the two
is made, or at each short
circuit. The wire short circuits to the workpiece 20 to 200 times per second.
Figure 1-2 - Current-Voltage
vs. Time Typical Short Arc Cycle
