Arc voltage for GTAW process 1

[UfoIwe]

Hello all,

I am welding engineer and currently I am working as surveyor for an inspection company. Looking on some WPSs and WPQRs I found 20-22V arc voltage for GTAW process (2.5%Cr and 9%Cr base materials). According to my experience this is a range to high for GTAW. Please let me know your opinion.

Regards,
ufo

 

[ijzer]

12 to 18 Volts would be more realistic.

 

[gtaw]

It depends on the diameter of the tungsten electrode and arc length. I have recorded as low as 9 - 12 volts on small components and 14 to 17 on heavier weldments.

Not that you asked, but I find AC usually is higher and still higher (19-21V) yet if helium is used for welding aluminum.

20 to 22V using argon and DCEN sounds high unless they are using large diameter electrodes.

Best regards - Al

 

[stanweld]

Arc voltage will vary with shielding gas, current and distance from eletrode to work. Voltage need not be listed in the WPS if the WPS is not impact test qualified per ASME IX. The values supplied by gtaw above are "right on". The values provided on your WPS may actually be line voltage (if the voltage was actually measured) - not arc voltage if argon was used as the shielding gas.