OCV 100V

Normal Normal arc length

arc voltage
range

Welding amperage
Constant current (drooping) output characteristic

Large change in arc voltage =

small change in welding amperage ± 10V = ± 5 amps

4.3 Travel speed

Travel speed is the rate of weld progression, the third factor that affects heat
input and therefore metallurgical and mechanical conditions. The potential
defects associated with incorrect welding speeds when using the MMA
welding process are:

Travel speed too fast: Narrow thin weld bead, fast cooling, slag inclusions,
undercut, poor fusion/penetration.

Travel speed too slow: Cold lap, excess weld deposition, irregular bead
shape undercut.

4.4 Polarity (type of current)

Polarity will determine the distribution of heat energy at the welding arc. The
preferred polarity of the MMA system depends primarily upon the electrode
being used and the desired properties of the weld.

Direct current (DC)

Direct current is the flow of current in one direction. For MMA welding it
refers to the polarity of the electrode.

Rev 1 January 2010

MMA Welding
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