Increasing stick-out has what effect on amperage output and weld penetration?

Increasing stick-out has what effect on amperage output and weld penetration?

• A. Increase
• B. No change
• C. Slight decrease
• D. Decrease

Answer: (D)

In GMAW, stick-out controls the arc length. When you increase the distance from the contact tip to the workpiece, the arc becomes longer and the arc resistance rises. With a power source that maintains a relatively constant voltage, this extra resistance causes the current (amperage) to drop. Less current means less heat delivered to the joint, which leads to shallower heat penetration. So increasing stick-out reduces both amperage output and weld penetration; shortening stick-out increases current and deepens penetration.

In GMAW, stick-out controls the arc length. When you increase the distance from the contact tip to the workpiece, the arc becomes longer and the arc resistance rises. With a power source that maintains a relatively constant voltage, this extra resistance causes the current (amperage) to drop. Less current means less heat delivered to the joint, which leads to shallower heat penetration. So increasing stick-out reduces both amperage output and weld penetration; shortening stick-out increases current and deepens penetration.