Question

arc control is a term used on some multi-process welding machines that control:

dig on a cv welding power supply
inductance on a cc welding power supply
hot start on a cc welding power supply
dig in smaw welding and inductance during gmaw short circuit transfer

Explanation:

Analyze multi-process welding controls

Using the Welding Power Sources, Constant Voltage, Constant Current, SMAW, and GMAW Equipment knowledge points

• Multi-process welding machines combine different processes like Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW/Stick) and Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG).
• On these machines, a single physical dial or setting labeled "Arc Control" often performs different functions depending on the active process selected.

Define DIG control in SMAW

• In SMAW (Stick) mode, which uses a constant current (CC) power source, "Arc Control" adjusts the "DIG" (or arc force).
• DIG increases the current when the arc voltage drops (when the electrode is held too close to the workpiece), preventing the electrode from sticking.

Define inductance control in GMAW

• In GMAW (MIG) short-circuit transfer mode, which uses a constant voltage (CV) power source, "Arc Control" adjusts the "inductance".
• Inductance controls the rate of current rise during short circuits, which directly influences puddle fluidity, bead wet-out, and spatter levels.

Evaluate the options

• Option 1: DIG is used on CC (Constant Current) power supplies, not CV.
• Option 2: Inductance is used on CV (Constant Voltage) power supplies, not CC.
• Option 3: Hot Start is a separate feature that provides an initial surge of current to help strike the arc in SMAW.
• Option 4: Correctly identifies that "Arc Control" regulates DIG in SMAW welding and inductance during GMAW short circuit transfer.

Answer:

• (A) DIG on a CV welding power supply
• (B) Inductance on a CC welding power supply
• (C) Hot Start on a CC welding power supply
• (D) DIG in SMAW welding and inductance during GMAW short circuit transfer (Correct answer)