• Undercut caused by too high amperage for the position or by a poor

welding technique eg travel speed too fast or slow, arc length (therefore
voltage) variations particularly during excessive weaving.
• Arc strikes caused by incorrect arc striking procedure, or lack of skill.
These may be also caused by incorrectly fitted/secured power return lead
clamps.
• Hydrogen cracks caused by the use of incorrect electrode type or
baking procedure and/or control of basic coated electrodes.

Successful welding with the MMA process is reliant on a number of factors,

not least of which is the skill required to produce a sound weld. This is
dependent on the welder’s ability to match the arc length (the distance from
the tip of the electrode to the workpiece), to the burn-off rate (the rate at
which the electrode is consumed).

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

• Field or shop use

• Range of consumables
• All positional
• Very portable
• Simple equipment

Disadvantages

• High skill factor required

• Arc strikes/slag inclusions
• Low operating factor
• High level of generated fumes
• Hydrogen control

Rev 1 January 2010

MMA Welding
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