GMAW process extends travel speeds beyond the limits of normal spray arc welding

November 27, 2011

ESAB Welding and Cutting Products has introduced Swift Arc Transfer (SAT™), a GMAW process that uses OK AristoRod™ noncopper-coated wires at travel speeds beyond the limits of normal spray arc welding.

During GMAW the arc follows a natural sequence of short arc, mixed arc, spray arc, and rotating arc as the arc voltage and wire feed speed are proportionally increased. The SAT arc is created at the higher wire feed speeds associated with the rotating arc mode, but lower arc voltage than the rotating arc mode.

The process produces flat welds with a good penetration and without undercut, the company states. It requires low heat input, which helps reduce deformation and therefore postweld labor.

The process is suitable for fillet and overlap welds in thin to thick plate, in downhand positions. It has been developed for robotic, automated, and mechanized welding and can operate with a variety of wire diameters at several deposition rates.

With no copper particles to contaminate the feed system, the noncopper-coated wire yields dependable feeding properties and a stable arc at high welding currents, according to the manufacturer.