What is the voltage range for short circuit transfer?

What is the voltage range for short circuit transfer?

• A. 6-12 volts
• B. 12-22 volts
• C. 24-28 volts
• D. 30-40 volts

Answer: (B)

In MIG welding, short-circuit transfer uses a very small, continuously forming arc as the wire touches and re-establishes contact with the weld pool. This requires keeping the arc voltage relatively low so the arc length stays short and the current can rapidly melt the wire during each short, producing frequent, controlled metal transfer. That’s why the typical operating voltage for short-circuit transfer sits in the 12–22 volt range. If the voltage were much higher, you’d move into spray or globular transfer with more heat and less control; if it were much lower, the arc could be unstable or fail to sustain transfer. So, 12–22 volts best matches the needs of short-circuit transfer.

In MIG welding, short-circuit transfer uses a very small, continuously forming arc as the wire touches and re-establishes contact with the weld pool. This requires keeping the arc voltage relatively low so the arc length stays short and the current can rapidly melt the wire during each short, producing frequent, controlled metal transfer. That’s why the typical operating voltage for short-circuit transfer sits in the 12–22 volt range. If the voltage were much higher, you’d move into spray or globular transfer with more heat and less control; if it were much lower, the arc could be unstable or fail to sustain transfer. So, 12–22 volts best matches the needs of short-circuit transfer.