6 BASIC WELDING GUIDE
0463 815 001
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© ESAB AB 2021
Primary adjustable variables
These control the process after preselected variables have been found. They control the
penetration, bead width, bead height, arc stability, deposition rate and weld soundness. They are:
•
Arc voltage
•
Welding current (wire feed speed)
•
Travel speed
Secondary adjustable variables
These variables cause changes in primary adjustable variables which in turn cause the desired
change in the bead formation. They are:
•
Sick-out (distance between the end of the contact tube (tip) and the end of the electrode
wire). Maintain at about 3/8 in. (10 mm) stick-out
•
Wire Feed Speed. Increase in wire feed speed increases weld current, Decrease in wire
feed speed decreases weld current.
Figure 45: Electrode stick-out
1 Tip to work distance
4 Electrode wire
2 Gas nozzle
5 Actual stick-out
3 Contact tip (tube)
6 Average arc length
•
Nozzle Angle. This refers to the position of the MIG gun in relation to the joint. The
transverse angle is usually one half the included angle between plates forming the joint.
The longitudinal angle is the angle between the centre line of the MIG gun and a line
perpendicular to the axis of the weld. The longitudinal angle is generally called the nozzle
angle and can be either trailing (pulling) or leading (pushing). Whether the operator is left
handed or right handed has to be considered to realize the effects of each angle in relation
to the direction of travel.
Figure 46: Transverse and longitudinal nozzle axes
1 Longitudinal angle
3 Axis of weld
2 Transverse angle
