← Glossary

Electric Arc

A sustained electrical discharge through an ionized gas column between the electrode and workpiece, generating intense welding heat.

The arc is created by the electrical discharge between the electrode and the workpiece. The heat generated melts the material and joins the parts. Rapid cooling can make the structure hard and prone to cracking, especially with unsuitable base material. So you have to watch the cooling rate and keep the electrode clean. For thin sheets or critical materials, the process is often too hot, so it's better to switch to another one.

MetallurgieSchweißtechnik

AI Transparency (EU AI Act): Created on the basis of our own many years of practical experience in welding technology, with the help of AI, and reviewed editorially.

© 2026 Welder-World. All content is for training and continuing education and does not replace a certified welding procedure specification.