3 Power Requirements

Manual metal arc welding can be carried out using either direct (DC) or
alternating (AC) current. With DC welding current either positive (+ve) or
negative (-ve) polarity can be used, so current is flowing in one direction. AC
welding current flows from negative to positive, and is two directional.

Power sources for MMA welding are either transformers (which transform
mains AC to AC suitable for welding), transformer-rectifiers (which rectify
AC to DC), diesel or petrol driven generators (preferred for site work) or
inverters (a more recent addition to welding power sources). For MMA
welding a power source with a constant current (drooping) output must be
used.

The power source must provide:

• An open circuit voltage (OCV) to initiate the arc, between 50 and 90V.
• Welding voltage to maintain the arc during welding, between 20 and 30V
• Suitable current range, typically 30-350 amps
• Stable arc-rapid arc recovery or arc re-ignition without current surge.
• Constant welding current. The arc length may change during welding, but
consistent electrode burn-off rate and weld penetration characteristics
must be maintained during welding.

4 Welding Variables
Other factors, or welding variables, which affect the final quality of the MMA
weld, are:

Current (amperage)
Voltage Affects heat input
Travel speed
Polarity
Type of electrode

Examples of the MMA welding process

Rev 1 January 2010

MMA Welding
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