Wire Feed Speed
The speed at which the welding wire is fed through the torch in MIG/MAG welding. It influences the welding current and the amount of filler material.
Physicochemical Mechanism of Action
The wire feed speed determines how fast the welding wire is fed through the torch. This affects the amount of steel introduced into the weld and thus the overall welding current.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
Too high a wire feed speed can lead to excessive welding current. This can cause overheating of the materials, porosity, and a fine grain structure with poor toughness. Conversely, too low a speed can result in insufficient welding current, leading to inadequate fill and weak spots in the weld.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
The optimal wire feed speed depends on the chosen steel and the specific welding parameters. For most general applications, it ranges between 10 and 30 mm/s. It is important to continuously monitor the speed and adjust it to the specific material and component geometry.