OM-228 042 Page 43
12-2. Typical MIG Process Control Settings
These settings are guidelines only. Material and wire type, joint design, fitup, position, shielding gas, etc. affect settings. Test welds to be sure
they comply to specifications.
These settings are guidelines only. Material
and wire type, joint design, fitup, position,
shielding gas, etc. affect settings. Test welds
to be sure they comply to specifications.
1
Convert Material Thickness to
Amperage (A)
(.001 in = 1 ampere)
.125 = 125 A
Material thickness determines weld
parameters.
2
Select Wire Size
3
Select Wire Speed (Amperage)
125 A based on 1/8 in (3 mm) material thickness.
(ipm = inch per minute)
Wire speed (amperage) controls weld pene-
tration (wire speed = burn-off rate).
4
Select Voltage
Low Voltage: wire stubs into work
High Voltage: arc is unstable (spatter)
Set voltage midway between high/low voltage.
Voltage controls height and width of weld
bead.
804 476 / 229 573
1/8 or
.125 in
Wire
Suggested
.030 in
.035 in
.045 in
2 in per amp
1.6 in per amp
1 in per amp
Wire Speed
2 x 125 A = 250 ipm
1.6 x 125 A = 200 ipm
1 x 125 A = 125 ipm
Size
(Approx.)
Amperage Range
40
−
145 A
50
−
180 A
75
−
250 A
Wire Size
.030 in
.035 in
.045 in
2
1
3
4
