What is the Globular-Spray Transition Current in Welding?

As welding current increases, the electrode metal transfer changes from globular to spray mode. This is known as the globular-spray transition current. The transition current is different for each electrode diameter.

In order to achieve spray transfer, the welding current must be increased to the point where the droplets detach from the end of the electrode and are ejected from the arc column in a stream of molten metal. The high current levels needed for spray transfer can result in increased heat input, which can lead to distortion and other problems. Therefore, it is important to know the globular-spray transition current for each electrode diameter so that the welding current can be adjusted accordingly.

What is spray transition current?

The spray transition current is the point at which the electrode metal transfer changes from globular to spray mode as the welding current increases.

What is globular transfer in welding?

The globular transfer is the process of electrode metal transfer in which the molten metal droplets detach from the end of the electrode and fall into the weld pool.

What is the transition current in welding?

The transition current is the point at which the electrode metal transfer changes from globular to spray mode as the welding current increases.

What is the difference between spray transfer and globular transfer?

The main difference between spray transfer and globular transfer is that in spray transfer, the welding current must be increased to the point where the droplets detach from the end of the electrode and are ejected from the arc column in a stream of molten metal. In globular transfer, the molten metal droplets detach from the end of the electrode and fall into the weld pool.

Globular transfer voltage

The globular transfer voltage and amperage is the point at which the electrode metal transfer changes from spray to globular mode as the welding current increases.

Which of the following is true of globular transfer?

  • The electrode metal transfer changes from globular to spray mode as the welding current increases.
  • The molten metal droplets detach from the end of the electrode and fall into the weld pool.

The first statement is true of globular transfer. The second and third statements are true of spray transfer.

Related Links

Understanding transfer modes for GMAW
Handbook – Metal Transfer Variations
Globular Transfer – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
(PDF) Determining the critical transition current for metal transfer in gas metal arc welding (GMAW)

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