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Travel Angle - Travel angle is the right to left angle relative to the direction of welding. A travel
angle of 5°- 15° is ideal and produces a good level of control over the weld pool. A travel angle
greater that 20° will give an unstable arc condition with poor weld metal transfer, less penetration,
high levels of spatter, poor gas shield and poor quality finished weld.
Angle 5
°- 15°
Not enough angle
Angle more than 20
°
good level of control over the
weld pool, even flat weld
less control over the weld pool
more spatter
poor control, unstable arc, less
penetration, lots of spatter
Angle to Work - The work angle is the forward back angle of the gun relative to the work piece.
The correct work angle provides good bead shape, prevents undercut, uneven penetration,
poor
gas shield and poor quality finished weld.
Correct angle
Not enough angle
Too much angle
good level of control over the
weld pool, even flat weld
less control over the weld pool
more spatter
poor control, unstable arc, less
penetration, lots of spatter
Stick Out- Stick out is the length of the unmelted wire protruding from the end of the contact tip.
A constant even stick out of 5-10mm will produce a stable arc, and an even current flow providing
good penetration and even fusion. Too short stick out will cause an unstable weld pool, produce
spatter and over heat the contact tip. Too long stick out will cause an unstable arc, lack of pen-
etration, lack of fusion and increase spatter.
Normal stick out
Too short
Too long
Even arc, good penetration
even fusion, good finish
Unstable arc, spatter, over
heat contact tip
Unstable arc, spatter, poor
penetration and fusion
5-10mm
