4 Popular Types of Welding Procedures

The GMAW/MIG welding process uses four primary methods of metal transfer:

1. Globular transfer produces a rougher weld bead due to metal droplet size and the propensity for spattering. This method is useful for welding thick metal plates in horizontal positions.
2. Short-circuiting works as the name implies – the welding wire contacts the base metal in a quickly repeated tapping method many times per second. Because little spattering is produced in the process, this method can be used in any welding position.
3. Spray Transfer transmits tiny droplets of molten metal in such a steady fashion that it maintains a steady-contact arc weld during the process. Even though this method produces little splatter, it is best to use on horizontal pieces that are thick and flat.
4. Pulsed-spray is very similar to Spray Transfer, but uses a high-low current pulse to allow micro-cooling periods. Because of this type of delivery, this process can be used on a wide variety of metal plate thicknesses, and in almost all welding positions. Note that when we use the term “cooling” when describing pulsed-spray, the moments of lower voltage that provide a cooler weld are still several thousand degrees Fahrenheit. It is only considered cooler relative to the high-voltage portion of the cycle. All welding uses extreme temperatures.