This arc allows for versatile welding operations, including:

  • Out of position welding, making all types of welding positions conceivable.
  • Welding of joints with a wide range of plate thicknesses, including the complete thickness range of the Hardox® and Strenx® grades.

Some general drawbacks for short arc welding include:

  • Relatively low welding productivity.
  • The tendency toward an unstable arc. Therefore, special care should be taken in order to achieve suitable welding parameters. A good general measure is to apply a short arc length to promote a
  • stabilized arc performance.
  • The increased risk for lack of fusion when welding in heavy plate thicknesses, due to the low heat input.

Droplet transfer at short arc welding

Short arc welding is characterized by a metal transfer from the consumable, where each droplet short- circuits the arc. The droplet transfer has a low frequency of around 50-200 Hz.

Each droplet grows to a comparatively large size during the metal transfer and then short circuits, giving a momentarily high current. The droplet leaves the wire and the arc is struck again. Short arc welding can be identified by its characteristic sparkling sound.

Illustration of short arc welding: a) Drop begins to form. b) Drop advances towards base metal. c) Drop touches weld pool, causing short circuit. d). Circuit is broken; another drop begins to form.