[TheForge] MIG Welding question

[John Chobrda]

    I don't know if I can explain it properly but I will give it a try. A MIG machine is a
constant voltage machine (arc voltage does not vary while welding) the adjustments on the machine
are voltage and wire speed. A stick machine (constant current) has amperage adjustment (arc
voltage varies during welding depending on arc gap), more amperage more heat. When you strike an
arc with the mig the voltage across the arc stays constant and the welding current automatically
adjusts itself to maintain the constant physical arc length and arc voltage. The faster the wire
is feed the higher the flow of current to melt the wire, more current more heat. If some one can
explain this better, please help.
John C.

schade@acegroup.cc wrote:

> >    Just a thought, with mig welding heat is a product of wire speed.
> >John C.
> >
>
> john,
>
> how does turning up the wire speed (at the same heat setting/amperage?voltage) raise the heat?
>
> bob schade
>
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