2/2/2021 MIG Welding: Setting the Correct Parameters

MIG Welding: Setting the Correct

Parameters

Basic tips to get you started with MIG welding, including information on new
equipment and settings.

Optimal performance with your MIG welder

Unless you weld for a living, it is often difficult to know if your MIG welder is
set up for optimal performance. If you find yourself asking questions such as
"am I using the proper voltage?” or “do I have too much or too little wire?”
then this article is for you! We will touch on the basics of properly setting up
your welder, and then look at what your weld bead is telling you.

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Equipment
Good equipment makes MIG welding easier, while poor equipment can cost you
dearly in frustration and weld quality. MIG welders such as the Millermatic®
211 and Millermatic 141 are ideal for the occasional welder. If you’re looking
for a machine with multiple welding capabilities, we recommend multiprocess
welders like the Multimatic® 215 and Multimatic 220 AC/DC.
Some welding machines include technology advancements, such as Auto-Set™
technology, which sets optimal parameters automatically based on material
thickness and wire diameter. This allows you to focus on proper technique.
To determine which welding machine best fits your needs, watch Which Welder
is Right for Your Home or Shop or download this guide.

Getting the most from your machine

Regardless of your machine choice, read your owner's manual. It contains
important information about proper operation and safety guidelines. Most
companies offer their manuals online.
The following basic guidelines are for MIG welding steel with solid wire. Joint
design, position and other factors affect results and settings. When good
results are achieved, record the parameters.
1. Material thickness determines amperage. As a guideline, each .001 inch of
material thickness requires 1 amp of output: .125 inch = 125 amps.
2. Select proper wire size according to amperage. Since you don't want to
change wire, select one for your most commonly used thicknesses.
30-130 amps: .023 inch
40-145 amps: .030 inch
50-180 amps: .035 inch
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2/2/2021 MIG Welding: Setting the Correct Parameters

3. Set the voltage. Voltage determines height and width of the bead. If no
chart, manual or specifications are available for setting the correct voltage, you
can try this: While one person welds on scrap metal, an assistant turns down
the voltage until the arc starts stubbing into the workpiece. Then, start welding
again and have an assistant increase the voltage until the arc becomes
unstable and sloppy. A voltage midway between these two points provides a
good starting point.
There is a relationship between arc voltage and arc length. A short arc
decreases voltage and yields a narrow, ropey bead. A longer arc (more voltage)
produces a flatter, wider bead. Too much arc length produces a very flat bead
and the possibility of undercut.
4. Set the wire feed speed. Wire speed controls amperage as well as the
amount of weld penetration. A speed that's too high can lead to burn-through.
If a manual or weld specification sheet is not available, use the multipliers in
the following chart to find a good starting point for wire feed speed. For
example, for .030-inch wire, multiply by 2 inches per amp to find the wire feed
speed in inches per minute (ipm).
For wire size Multiply by Ex. using 1/8 inch (125 amps)
.023 inch 3.5 inches per amp 3.5 x 125 = 437.5 ipm
.030 inch 2 inches per amp 2 x 125 = 250 ipm
.035 inch 1.6 inches per amp 1.6 x 125 = 200 ipm
.045 inch 1 inch per amp 1 x 125 = 125 ipm

Examining the beads

One way to check your parameters is by examining the weld bead. Its
appearance indicates what needs to be adjusted.
Good weld: Notice the good penetration into the base material, flat bead
profile, appropriate bead width, and good tie-in at the toes of the weld (the
edges where the weld metal meets the base metal).

Voltage too high: Too much voltage is marked by poor arc control, inconsistent
penetration and a turbulent weld pool that fails to consistently penetrate the
base material.

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Voltage too low: Too little voltage results in poor arc starts, control and
penetration. It also causes excessive spatter, a convex bead profile and poor
tie-in at the toes of the weld.

Travel speed too fast: A narrow, convex bead with inadequate tie-in at the toes
of the weld, insufficient penetration and an inconsistent weld bead are caused
by traveling too fast.

Travel speed too slow: Traveling too slow introduces too much heat into the
weld, resulting in an excessively wide weld bead and poor penetration. On
thinner material it may also cause burn-through.

Wire feed speed/amperage too high: Setting the wire feed speed or amperage
too high (depending on what type of machine you're using) can cause poor arc
starts, and lead to an excessively wide weld bead, burn-through, excessive
spatter and poor penetration.

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Wire feed speed/amperage too low: A narrow, oftentimes convex bead with
poor tie-in at the toes of the weld marks insufficient amperage.

No shielding gas: A lack of or inadequate shielding gas is easily identified by

the porosity and pinholes in the face and interior of the weld.

Feeling
inspired?
Check out our
project page
for DIY welding
projects,
including step-
by-step
guidance,
videos and downloadable plans.

CHECK IT OUT

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Updated: September 3, 2020
Published: April 29, 2020

© Miller Electric Mfg. LLC

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