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SLOPE

Figure below illustrates the volt-ampere characteristics for a MIG power source. The slant from
horizontal of the curve is referred to as the “slope” of the power source. Slope refers to the
reduction in output voltage with increasing current. Thus, a “constant voltage” power source with
slope does not really provide constant voltage for reasons to be considered. As an example of
slope, suppose the open circuit voltage is set at 25V and the welding condition is 19V and 200
amps as shown in Figure. The voltage decreases from 25 to 19 in 200 amps; the slope is 3V/100
amps. The slope of the power source by itself, as specified by the manufacturer and measured at its
output terminals, is not the total slope of the arc system. Anything which adds resistance to the
welding system adds slope and increases the voltage drop at a given welding current. Power cables,
connections, loose terminals, dirty contacts, etc., all add to the slope. Therefore, in a welding
system, slope should be measured at the arc.

Slope in a MIG system is used during short arc welding to limit the short circuit current so that
spatter is reduced when short circuits between the wire electrode and workpiece are cleared. The
greater the slope, the lower the short circuit currents and within limits, lower the spatter. The
amount of short circuit current must be high enough (but not too high) to detach the molten drops
from the wire. When little or no slope is present in the welding circuit, the short circuit current
rises to a very high level, and a violent, but miniature, reaction takes place. THIS CAUSES
SPATTER. When a short circuit current is limited to excessively low values by use of too much
slope, the wire electrode can carry the full current and the short circuit will not clear itself. In that
case, the wire either piles up on the workpiece or may stub to the puddle occasionally and flash off.
This is schematically shown in Figure 3-4.Figure 3-4 - Effect of Too Much Slope
When the short circuit current is at the correct value, the parting of the molten drop from the
wire is smooth,with very little spatter. Typical short circuit currents required for metal transfer and
the best arc stabilityappear on Table 3-1.

VOLTAGE
Arc voltage is the voltage between the end of the wire and the workpiece. Because of voltage drops
encountered in the welding system, the arc voltage cannot be directly read on the power source
voltmeter. Welding voltage (arc length) has an important effect on the type of process variation or
metal transfer desired. Short arc welding requires relatively low voltages while spray arc requires
higher voltages. It should be noted, too, as welding current and wire burn off are increased, the
welding voltage must also be increased somewhat to maintain stability. Figure 3-2 shows a
relationship of arc voltage to welding current for the most common shielding gases employed for
MIG welding carbon steel. The arc voltage is increased with increasing current to provide the best
operation. Figure 3-2 - Arc Voltage-Welding Current Relationship

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