8-2. Typical MIG Process Control Settings

NOTE

These settings are guidelines only. Material and wire type, joint design, fitup, position, shielding gas, etc. affect settings. Test welds to be sure they comply to specifications.

Material thickness determines weld parameters.

1/8 or 0.125 inConvert Material

Thickness to

Amperage (A)

(0.001 in = 1 ampere)

0.125 in = 125 A

.035 in

Wire Size

Amperage Range

 

 

 

 

0.023 in

 

30 − 90 A

0.030 in

40 − 145 A

0.035 in

50 − 180 A

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Select Wire Size

Wire

Recommendation

Wire Speed

Select Wire Speed

Size

(Approx.)

(Amperage)

 

 

 

 

 

0.023 in

3.5 in per ampere

3.5 x 125 A = 437 ipm

125 A based on 1/8 in

 

 

 

0.030 in

2 in per ampere

2 x 125 A = 250 ipm

material thickness

0.035 in

1.6 in per ampere

1.6 x 125 A = 200 ipm

 

 

 

 

 

ipm = inches per minute

 

Low voltage: wire stubs into work

Select Voltage

 

High voltage: arc is unstable (spatter)

 

 

 

Set voltage midway between high/low voltage

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wire speed (amperage) controls weld penetration (wire speed = burn-off rate)

Voltage controls height and width of weld bead.

Ref. 803 710-A

OM-925 Page 32

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Image 36
Hobart Welding Products OM-925 217 694A Typical MIG Process Control Settings, Thickness to Amperage a, Select Voltage