Question

quiz
which welding processes normally use a constant current power source? (select all that apply.)

gas metal arc welding (gmaw)
flux cored arc welding (fcaw)
gas tungsten arc welding (gtaw)
submerged arc welding (saw)
shielded metal arc welding (smaw)

Explanation:

Identify the core question

The question asks to select all welding processes that normally use a Constant Current power source.

Analyze constant current characteristics

Using the Constant Current knowledge point, we know that constant current (CC) power sources maintain a relatively steady current despite changes in arc length. This is essential for manual welding processes where the welder controls the arc length by hand.

Evaluate each welding process

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW): Normally uses Constant Voltage (CV) to maintain a stable arc length automatically with a continuous wire feed.
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): Normally uses Constant Voltage (CV) for the same reason as GMAW.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW): This is a manual process where the welder controls the arc length. It requires a Constant Current (CC) power source to prevent current spikes if the electrode gets too close to the work.
• Submerged Arc Welding (SAW): Typically uses Constant Voltage (CV) (or sometimes CC with voltage-sensing feeders in specific thick-wire setups, but CV is the standard norm for typical systems).
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This is a manual stick welding process. It requires a Constant Current (CC) power source so that fluctuations in the welder's hand position do not cause large changes in welding current.

Select the correct options

Based on the analysis, the processes that normally use a constant current power source are Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) and Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW).

Answer:

• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW)
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW)
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) (Correct answer)
• Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)
• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) (Correct answer)