Decreasing Arc Interaction When Welding Large Weldments.

While visiting customers that are using multiple welding arcs on the same large weldment, I’ve found situations where the welders are experiencing bad welds or their welding arc is not functioning properly. The immediate assumption is that the power source is not set properly, or just isn’t working right. However, more often, the remedy is a simple solution of moving the work leads to a different location.

This is a common occurrence with all types of welding power sources, although pulsing machines may show worse symptoms. What happens is, the path the current takes are the same for each welding arc. This causes interaction when more than one arc is struck. To compensate for the diminished power, welders slow their travel speeds and wind up with a bad weld. To remedy this from happening in your work place, use separate pick-up points for each work lead.

For example, imagine welding both ears on Mickey Mouse. If you connect both work leads to Mickey’s chin, his face acts as a resistor or common current path. Instead, try connecting a work lead to each ear. This will eliminate the arc interaction and both arcs will function independently.

How often are you using more than one welding arc on the same weldment? Have you tried moving your work leads when you experience loss of power or sputtering arcs? Give it a try, you might be surprised at the quick solution this may provide.

Let me know what you think…post your comments and questions.

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