Usability of arc types in industrial welding

Arc behaviour is a significant factor in all arc welding processes. Understanding of arc types and their inherent properties can help enhance weld prediction and weld quality and reduce welding cost and production cycle time. Advanced welding processes utilize real-time control and prediction, increasing the need for detailed knowledge of arc characteristics and arc applications. This paper analyses the types of welding arcs used in the welding industry, explains corresponding features and characteristics, provides guidance for suitable applications, and presents arc type comparisons, benefits, and weaknesses. The study is based on a review of the literature, and it provides a comprehensive overview of arc phenomena. The results of this work show that in many applications, greater benefit accrues from spray and pulsed arcs than short and globular arc modes. Controlled short arc, heavy deposition rate arc, and controlled spray arc are enhanced arc processes offering significant improvements in efficiency and usability. This review can assist companies in making appropriate choices of arc and welding process for different materials and applications. Furthermore, it can be utilized as a basis for further research. © 2014 Kah et al.; licensee Springer.