MMA electrodes are designed to operate with alternating current (AC) and

direct current (DC) power sources. Although AC electrodes can be used on

DC, not all DC electrodes can be used with AC power sources.

Operating factor: (O/F) The percentage (%) of arc on time in a given time
span.

When compared with semi-automatic welding processes MMA has a low

O/F of approximately 30%. Manual semi-automatic MIG/MAG O/F is about
60% with fully automated in the region of 90% O/F. A welding process OF
can be directly linked to productivity.

Operating factor should not to be confused with the term duty cycle, which
is a safety value given as the % of time a conductor can carry a current and
is given as a specific current at 60 and 100% of 10 minutes ie 350A 60%
and 300A 100%

5 Summary of MMA/SMAW
Equipment requirements
• Transformer/rectifier, generator, inverter (constant amperage type)
• Power and power return cable (of a suitable amperage rating)
• Electrode holder (of a suitable amperage rating)
• Electrodes (of a suitable type and amperage rating)
• Correct visor/glass, safety clothing and good extraction

Parameters and inspection points

• Amperage
• Open circuit voltage(OCV)
• AC/DC and polarity
• Speed of travel
• Electrode type and diameter
• Duty cycles
• Electrode condition
• Connections
• Insulation/extraction
• Any special electrode treatment

Typical welding imperfections

• Slag inclusions caused by poor welding technique or insufficient inter-
run cleaning.
• Porosity from using damp or damaged electrodes or when welding
contaminated or unclean material.
• Lack of root fusion or penetration caused by incorrect settings of the
amps, root gap or face width.

Rev 1 January 2010

MMA Welding
Copyright © TWI Ltd 2010