Arc Footpoint Temperature

The foot point is where the arc hits the workpiece. It gets really hot there, but you can forget the exact temperature – it depends on current, electrode, and material. If the foot point is too hot or too focused, it can bring in too much heat locally and embrittle or carburize the structure. So watch out not to set the arc too tight and distribute the heat well, then the weld metal stays clean and crack-free.