2
VOLTAGE Arc
voltage is the voltage between the end of the wire and the workpiece. Because
of voltage drops encountered
in the welding system, the arc voltage cannot be directly read on the power source
voltmeter. Welding
voltage (arc length) has an important effect on the type of process variation
or metal transfer desired.
Short arc welding requires relatively low voltages while spray arc requires higher
voltages. It should be
noted, too, as welding current and wire burnoff are increased, the welding voltage
must also be increased
somewhat to maintain stability. Figure 3-2 shows a relationship of arc voltage
to welding current for
the most common shielding gases employed for mig welding carbon steel. The arc
voltage is increased with
increasing current to provide the best operation. Figure
3-2 - Arc Voltage-Welding Current Relationship
