Arc base current phase
The arc background current phase is the lower current value in a pulsed process that keeps the arc burning and limits melting power.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
The background current phase is part of the pulsed welding process. It ensures that the arc burns continuously without converting too much energy into melting rate. This current value is below the point where the temperature rises and the material melts.
Metallurgical Relevance & Welding Risks
A background current that is too high can cause too fast heating, leading to uneven melting rate and possible cracks. A current that is too low can cause the arc to burn unstably or the melting rate to be too low, resulting in poor joints and missing weld volume.
Workshop Practice & Instructions
To optimally set the background current phase, the current value should be selected so that the arc burns stably and the melting rate is limited. This value varies depending on material and material thickness. As a rule, it lies between 10% and 30% of the maximum current. It is important to monitor the current continuously and adjust it if necessary.