Method of metal transfer regulation during GMA welding

¹ Keiser University, 1500 N.W. 49th Street, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33309, USA
² ESAB Welding and Cutting Products, 801 Wilson Avenue, Hanover, PA, 17331-7948, USA

Corresponding author: nemchinsky@bellsouth.net

Received: 13 November 2009
Revised: 9 December 2009
Accepted: 18 December 2009
Published online: 26 February 2010

Abstract

The main force that detaches a molten droplet from the electrode (wire) during arc welding is the interaction of the arc current with its own magnetic field. The magnitude of this force depends on the current distribution inside the droplet. A method to regulate the current distribution is proposed. The current redistribution is achieved by striking an additional arc with the droplet serving as a cathode of this arc. By the current redistribution it is possible (i) to decrease the threshold current of the globular to spray transition during GMA welding, (ii) to achieve this transition in different plasma gases, and (iii) to control the propelling direction of the detaching droplet. Some preliminary experiments confirm the proposed method.