Welcome — whether you are a curious hobbyist picking up a welding torch for the first time, a shop apprentice learning to read the machine, or an experienced welder wanting a clear refresher, this long-form guide is written for you. We will explore Schweißstrom und -spannung — current and voltage — and how to set them for consistent, high-quality welds. I’ll walk you through the why and the how, using plain language and practical examples, and I will show tables and checklists to make the information easy to use at the bench.
Welding is a craft that blends art and science. Arc behavior, metal melt, bead profile, fusion and penetration are all controlled by a handful of variables, and of those, Schweißstrom und -spannung (welding current and voltage) are the king and queen. Change them wisely and you shape heat input, penetration, bead form, and the overall success of the joint. Change them carelessly and you can introduce defects, damage the parts, or worse — injure yourself. Throughout this guide I’ll keep things practical and friendly, and I will frequently remind you to test, observe, and prioritize safety.
Why Schweißstrom und -spannung Matter: The Basics in Plain Language
At the most basic level, the welding arc is an electrical bridge between electrode (or wire) and workpiece that generates heat. The welding current (amperage) determines how much energy flows through that arc per second, which directly affects how much metal melts. The welding voltage sets the arc length and influences bead width and fluidity. The interaction between current and voltage, along with travel speed and joint design, determines heat input — the thermal energy delivered to the joint — and that controls penetration, distortion, and microstructure in the heat-affected zone.
Think of current as how “hot” the arc is, how deeply it can cut into the base metal. Think of voltage as how “wide” or “flat” the weld puddle tends to be; higher voltage will generally flatten and widen the bead because the arc is longer and the heat spreads. Those analogies are simplified but useful as starting points for understanding why small adjustments matter.
Another important concept is balance: high current but very fast travel speed can result in a narrow bead with lack of fusion; high voltage and slow travel speed can make a wide, shallow bead that risks burn-through. Successful welding is about balancing these and other variables to match material thickness, joint geometry, filler type, and position.
Overview of Common Welding Processes and How They Use Current and Voltage
Different welding processes respond to Schweißstrom und -spannung in different ways. Below I summarize the common arc welding processes and how current and voltage are used in each. Understanding the process-specific behavior will help you make better decisions.
MIG/MAG (GMAW) — Gas Metal Arc Welding
MIG (metal inert gas) or MAG (metal active gas) welding uses a continuous solid wire electrode fed through a gun. Wire feed speed (WFS) is tied to welding current: as you increase wire feed, the current increases. The machine usually allows you to set voltage independently (on older machines it’s a dial; on newer units it is programmatically controlled). MIG responds quickly to changes; higher voltage generally gives a flatter, wider bead and less penetration for the same current, while higher current (via increased wire feed) increases penetration and bead size.
TIG (GTAW) — Gas Tungsten Arc Welding
TIG welding uses a non-consumable tungsten electrode and a separate filler rod (if welding with filler). Because the filler is added manually and the electrode doesn’t melt, amperage control is more direct. Voltage in TIG mainly determines arc length and arc stability; too low and the arc is short and sticky, too high and you lose control. TIG is often used for thin materials and where high-quality, precise welds are required.
MMA/SMAW (Stick) — Shielded Metal Arc Welding
Stick welding uses a flux-coated consumable electrode where current is set by the machine and the electrode diameter. Voltage is not typically a direct user control; arc length controls effective voltage. Stick welding is forgiving in the field but highly dependent on correct amperage for the chosen electrode and joint.
FCAW — Flux-Cored Arc Welding
Flux-cored welding behaves somewhat like MIG in that it uses a wire feed and a power source that controls voltage. There are self-shielded flux-cored wires and gas-shielded varieties. Current and wire feed relationships are similar to MIG; voltage affects bead shape and spatter levels.
Key Parameters and Their Relationship to Current and Voltage
Before we dive into suggested ranges and troubleshooting, let’s list the important parameters that interact with Schweißstrom und -spannung. Knowing them helps you choose sensible starting points and make targeted adjustments.
- Welding Current (Amperage): Controls heat input and penetration.
- Arc Voltage: Sets arc length and influences bead width and puddle behavior.
- Wire Feed Speed (for MIG/FCAW): Directly affects current; higher WFS → higher current.
- Travel Speed: Faster travel reduces heat input per unit length; slower travel increases it.
- Stick-Out / Contact Tip–to–Work Distance: Affects arc voltage and transfer; excessive stick-out increases resistance and heat in the wire.
- Polarity: DCEN vs DCEP affects penetration and electrode behavior.
- Shielding Gas: Affects arc stability, penetration, and bead cleanliness.
- Electrode/Wire Diameter and Type: Bigger electrode needs more current; filler composition affects weld metal behavior.
- Joint Design and Fit-Up: Gap, bevel, and backing will change required heat input.
- Material Thickness and Thermal Conductivity: Thicker or more conductive metals require more energy to reach melting.
General Rules of Thumb for Schweißstrom und -spannung
Rules of thumb are helpful starting points but are not substitutes for procedure qualification, manufacturer charts, and test welds. Here are practical, easy-to-remember guidelines that will get you on the right track quickly.
- Match amperage to electrode or wire size: Larger diameters require more amps.
- Increase current for thicker material and decrease for thinner parts.
- Increase voltage to flatten and widen the bead; lower voltage to narrow and deepen (if current is constant).
- When you see excessive spatter in MIG, reduce voltage slightly or reduce wire feed speed; if the arc is too soft, increase voltage.
- In TIG, use the lowest amperage that produces stable arc and adequate penetration to reduce distortion.
- Always run sample welds and adjust in small steps — usually 5–10% at a time when in doubt.
Helpful Tables: Typical Current and Voltage Ranges
Below are tables that provide typical ranges for different welding processes and material thicknesses. Remember: these are starting points. Always consult electrode and wire manufacturers’ charts and carry out test welds.
Table 1: Typical MIG/MAG (GMAW) Starting Points
| Material Thickness (mm) | Wire Diameter (mm) | Suggested Amperage Range (A) | Suggested Voltage Range (V) | Wire Feed Speed (m/min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8–1.5 mm | 0.6 mm | 30–65 A | 14–16 V | 3–6 m/min |
| 1.5–3.0 mm | 0.8 mm | 60–120 A | 16–18 V | 4–10 m/min |
| 3.0–6.0 mm | 1.0 mm | 110–200 A | 18–22 V | 8–16 m/min |
| 6.0–12 mm | 1.2–1.6 mm | 200–350 A | 20–28 V | 12–30 m/min |
Note: MIG machines often control current indirectly by adjusting wire feed speed. The ranges shown are to give you a feel for what wire feed speeds and voltages typically produce in terms of arc behavior and penetration.
Table 2: Typical TIG (GTAW) Amperage per Material and Thickness
| Material | Thickness (mm) | Amperage Range (A) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel (mild) | 0.5–1.0 | 10–60 A | Use low amperage for thin sheets; short arc length. |
| Steel | 1.0–4.0 | 40–160 A | Use DCEN for deeper penetration; filler rod as needed. |
| Aluminum | 0.8–3.0 | 35–120 A | AC is commonly used; control heat carefully to avoid burn-through. |
| Stainless | 0.8–4.0 | 35–160 A | Use low heat input to avoid sensitization when possible. |
TIG amperage is often chosen by a rule of thumb: about 1 amp per 0.001 inch of electrode diameter for some filler metals, or more practically, 1 amp per 0.025–0.05 mm of thickness for thin materials; these are only rough guides. Precise selection depends on joint, filler, and desired penetration.
Table 3: Typical Stick (SMAW/MMA) Electrode and Amperage
| Electrode Type | Electrode Diameter (mm) | Suggested Amperage Range (A) | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| E6010/E6011 | 2.5 mm | 55–75 A | Root passes, deep penetration on dirty or rusty material |
| E7018 | 2.5 mm | 70–100 A | Structural welding, smooth bead |
| E7018 | 3.2 mm | 90–140 A | Heavier sections, structural |
| General (various) | 4.0 mm | 140–210 A | Thick material |
Those stick electrode ranges are a good baseline. Stick welding depends a lot on skill: arc length, travel speed, and manipulation change how an electrode performs at the same amp. If the arc is erratic or the electrode sticks, reduce current slightly or shorten arc length.
How to Determine Initial Settings: A Step-by-Step Dial-In Procedure
Here’s a friendly, practical step-by-step approach to choosing starting Schweißstrom und -spannung and then refining them. This method is process-agnostic and can be applied to MIG, TIG, and Stick with minor adjustments.
- Identify key variables: material type (steel, aluminum, stainless), thickness, joint type (butt, fillet, lap), position (flat, horizontal, vertical-up, overhead), filler/wire diameter, and electrode type.
- Consult manufacturer charts: electrode or wire manufacturers often supply recommended amperage/wire feed/voltage ranges. Start there.
- Set machine to baseline: choose a midpoint within recommended ranges for current and voltage, or set the recommended wire feed for MIG and the suggested voltage.
- Prepare test coupons: cut material of the same thickness and prepare a small test plate. Good fit-up on the test piece matters.
- Run practice beads: make several beads at the baseline settings. Observe bead shape, penetration, spatter, and puddle behavior.
- Adjust one variable at a time: change current by small increments (5–10%), or voltage by small amounts (0.5–1.0 V in MIG), and run new beads to see effects.
- Record the results: write down settings and the resulting observations. When you find a combination that produces the desired penetration and bead shape with good fusion, that becomes your qualified setting for that joint.
- Repeat under realistic conditions: test in the actual welding position and with the actual joint geometry, not only on flat coupons.
- Prepare a WPS (Welding Procedure Specification): for critical or repeated work, document the final settings and parameters: current, voltage, travel speed, shielding gas, preheat, interpass temperature, etc.
This approach keeps adjustments controlled and traceable. Making big jumps in amperage or voltage without testing often hides the true cause of a defect and can waste time and material.
Troubleshooting Common Defects: How to Adjust Schweißstrom und -spannung
When welds are not behaving as you want, the right adjustment is often obvious if you understand the relationship between current, voltage, and observed defects. Below is a practical troubleshooting table that pairs common issues with probable causes and suggested changes.
Table 4: Defect, Likely Causes, and Adjustments
| Observed Problem | Likely Cause | Suggested Adjustment (Current & Voltage) |
|---|---|---|
| Too much spatter (MIG) | Voltage too high, wire feed too high, wrong transfer mode, poor shielding | Reduce voltage slightly (0.5–1 V) or reduce wire feed; check gas flow and nozzle; switch to pulsed mode if available. |
| Lack of penetration | Amperage too low, travel speed too fast, incorrect polarity, poor joint prep | Increase current by 10–20% or slow travel speed; ensure correct polarity and clean joint. |
| Burn-through | Too much heat input: high current, slow travel, too high voltage | Reduce current and/or voltage slightly; increase travel speed; use smaller electrode; add backing plate. |
| Undercut | Excessive voltage, too fast travel at high current, poor manipulation | Lower voltage or slow travel; reduce current slightly; adjust torch angle and bead pass technique. |
| Porosity | Contamination, poor shielding gas coverage, moisture in consumables | Check gas flow and nozzle; ensure clean base metal and dry filler; reduce voltage if it’s blowing shielding away. |
| Stiff, narrow arc (MIG) | Voltage too low, too short arc length | Raise voltage slightly to stabilize and widen arc. |
| Excessive convex bead or balling | Voltage too low relative to current, or travel too slow | Increase voltage to flatten bead; increase travel speed; reduce current if necessary. |
| Arc wander or instability | Contaminated tungsten (TIG), improper gas, low amperage | Sharpen tungsten; increase amperage slightly; increase gas flow; check gas cup and nozzle. |
When adjusting settings, remember to change only one thing at a time. For example, if you add 10% more current and also slow travel speed, it becomes impossible to tell which change corrected the problem. That habit of single-variable adjustments helps you learn faster and avoid repeated mistakes.
Arc Length, Voltage, and Their Interaction
Arc length is one of those simple-to-observe but often misunderstood parameters. In TIG and stick welding, arc length is under your direct control: a longer arc increases voltage and can widen the bead but also increases the chance of contamination and lack of control. In MIG, the torch-to-work distance (stick-out) influences the effective voltage and current slightly and affects wire heating. Keep arc length consistent for predictable results.
A stable arc length produces a steady voltage reading and a consistent puddle. Short arc length reduces voltage and makes the arc more focused and penetrating; long arc length increases voltage, and the arc becomes more wandering and likely to cause spatter (in MIG) or oxidation (in TIG).
Polarity and Its Effects on Penetration
Polarity is vital in DC welding. There are two common DC polarities: DCEP (direct current electrode positive) and DCEN (direct current electrode negative). In DCEP the electrode is positive, which causes more heat to be generated at the electrode and results in deeper penetration into the workpiece when using stick electrodes like E6010 or E7018. DCEN concentrates more heat on the electrode and leads to shallower penetration but colder workpiece. For most stick electrodes used on steel, DCEP gives better penetration; for TIG, DCEN is commonly used when welding steel because it concentrates heat in the work and helps protect the tungsten.
For aluminum TIG welding, AC is preferred because it alternates polarity and provides cleaning action (oxide removal) while still melting the base metal. FCAW and MIG welding of aluminum usually require specific machines and settings because of aluminum’s high thermal conductivity.
Shielding Gas: Its Role in Voltage and Arc Behavior
Shielding gas composition matters. Argon-based mixtures are typical for TIG and MIG on many materials, and adding CO2 or oxygen to a basic argon mix (for MAG) can increase penetration and reduce arc voltage stability. Pure CO2 creates a stiffer arc and more spatter but can be more penetrating and economical for structural steel. Helium additions increase heat input for a given voltage and current and flatten the bead, useful for thick aluminum or when higher heat is required.
Shielding gas also interacts with voltage indirectly. Some gas mixtures result in a more stable arc at a slightly different effective voltage. When you change gas, be prepared to tweak voltage or wire feed accordingly.
Heat Input: Calculation, Significance, and Control
Heat input is a fundamental concept because it correlates directly with material behavior — grain growth, hardness changes, distortion, and residual stress. A standard formula for heat input is:
Heat input (kJ/mm) = (Voltage (V) × Current (A) × 60) / (Travel speed (mm/min) × 1000)
This formula gives energy per unit length. Note the units carefully: if you use travel speed in mm/min the 60 and 1000 factors put the result into kJ/mm. Some users prefer kJ/inch; be consistent with units. The important insight is that heat input increases with voltage and current and decreases with travel speed. Wire feed and welding parameters that increase current will raise heat input accordingly.
Controlling heat input is crucial in materials like high-strength steels and stainless steels where too much heat can soften or embrittle the HAZ (heat-affected zone). For thin sheet metal, keeping heat input low avoids burn-through and distortion. For thick sections, higher heat input improves fusion but must be balanced to avoid damaging the part.
Practical Example: Dialing in MIG Parameters for a 3 mm Steel Plate
Let’s walk through a concrete example so you can see the process in action without being overwhelmed by numbers. We’ll set up a MIG weld on a 3 mm mild steel plate using a 1.0 mm solid wire and 20% CO2 / 80% Argon shielding gas. This is a common shop scenario.
First, consult the wire manufacturer’s chart. Suppose the chart recommends 110–160 A and 18–20 V for 1.0 mm wire on 3 mm plate. Choose a starting point near the middle: set wire feed equivalent to about 11–12 m/min and voltage to 18 V. Prepare a small coupon with clean surfaces and set up a short run.
Make a bead at that setting. Observe: Does the bead fill the joint? Is there moderate penetration (not too shallow, not blowing through)? Does spatter look reasonable? If bead is too convex and edges are piling up, try increasing voltage in 0.5 V increments to flatten. If penetration seems shallow, increase wire feed slightly to raise current. If the bead is too hot or burn-through appears, reduce wire feed and/or raise travel speed.
After several short tests, you should land on a combination of wire feed and voltage that produces a clean, smooth bead with good fusion. Record that in a simple note: “3 mm mild steel, 1.0 mm wire, 11.5 m/min, 18.5 V, travel speed approx. X mm/min.” That becomes your operating point.
Advanced Control: Pulse Welding and Waveforms
Modern power sources can pulse the current, switching between high and low amperage rapidly. Pulsed MIG/MAG and pulsed TIG provide better control over heat input, reduce spatter, and allow welding in lower heat input conditions with good fusion. Pulse frequency, peak current, background current, and duty cycle are additional parameters you may set on advanced machines.
For pulse welding, Schweißstrom und -spannung settings are expressed differently: you’ll set peak amperage, background amperage, pulse frequency, and often peak and background voltages are determined by the machine’s control electronics. Pulse welding is especially useful for thin materials and for metals like aluminum where controlling heat and puddle behavior is challenging.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
People often make the same mistakes while learning to set Schweißstrom und -spannung. Here are common pitfalls and quick ways to avoid them.
- Rushing to high current: Some welders believe “more amps equals stronger weld.” That’s false and dangerous. Excessive heat causes burn-through and weakens the base metal. Set the lowest amperage that gives acceptable penetration and fusion.
- Changing too many variables at once: You’ll never know what fixed the problem. Change one setting at a time and test.
- Ignoring arc length: A steady arc length equals predictable voltage and reproducible results.
- Neglecting cleaning and fit-up: Dirty metal and poor joint gaps will defeat even perfect Schweißstrom und -spannung settings.
- Not recording settings: You’ll forget what worked. Keep simple notes for repeat jobs.
Position Welding: How Current and Voltage Change with Position
Welding position makes a real difference in how current and voltage settings translate into bead shape and penetration. For flat position (1G/1F), you can usually use higher current and expect better heat dissipation. Vertical-up and overhead positions limit how much molten metal can be supported by gravity, so you often need to reduce current and travel slower to control the puddle. Fillet welds in vertical or overhead positions commonly use lower amperage or specialized techniques (weave, stringer beads, or short arc) to avoid sagging.
When changing positions, adjust current in small steps and pay attention to puddle control. For critical work, make position-specific test welds and note the settings that produce the desired bead without sag or excessive penetration.
Material-Specific Considerations
Different base metals require different approaches to Schweißstrom und -spannung. Thermal conductivity, melting point, and oxide behavior matter. Here are some tips for common metals.
Carbon Steel
Carbon steel is the most forgiving and commonly welded material. Use manufacturer guidelines for filler or electrode, and watch heat input for thicker high-strength steels. Preheat may be necessary for thick or low-temperature sensitive steels.
Stainless Steel
Stainless steel heats and cools differently; avoid too much heat input to prevent sensitization and distortion. Use lower heat and faster travel where possible. When welding thin stainless, keep amperage low and use backing bars or chill plates to manage heat.
Aluminum
Aluminum has high thermal conductivity and low melting point relative to its mass, so it requires higher energy to reach welding temperatures, but once hot it melts quickly. Use AC TIG or the right MIG settings with large-diameter wire; control arc to avoid burn-through. Clean oxide layers thoroughly for good fusion.
Copper and Brass
These metals conduct heat very well and are challenging to weld. High heat input is often needed; preheating and special filler metals are common. Seek specialized guidance and consider brazing in some cases.
Checklist: Pre-Weld Setup Focused on Schweißstrom und -spannung
Use this quick checklist before welding. It keeps Schweißstrom und -spannung at the center of setup and helps avoid common mistakes.
- Confirm base metal and thickness, joint design and required filler metal.
- Check consumable diameter and condition (wire, electrode, filler rod).
- Consult manufacturer recommended amperage/voltage charts.
- Set machine to the recommended starting amp/voltage or wire feed speed.
- Set shielding gas type and flow rate (if applicable).
- Prepare test coupons and a plan for incremental adjustments.
- Wear proper PPE and ensure ventilation before striking an arc.
- Make test welds and record successful settings for the joint and position.
Safety and Best Practices When Adjusting Schweißstrom und -spannung
Welding involves electricity, intense light, hot metal, and hazardous fumes. When you focus on optimizing current and voltage you also need to focus on safety. Here are essential safety reminders and best practices.
- Always wear appropriate PPE: welding helmet with proper shade, flame-resistant clothing, leather gloves, and safety boots.
- Ensure good ventilation. Many welding fumes are hazardous — use local exhaust or respirators when needed.
- Turn off or isolate power before changing consumables or performing maintenance on equipment.
- Be mindful of fire hazards. Remove combustible materials from the area or shield them appropriately.
- Use proper grounding and check cables for damage. Damaged insulation or poor connections can alter arc behavior and present shock hazards.
- Follow your local electrical and occupational safety regulations and training requirements.
- When in doubt, consult experienced welders or certified welding inspectors for critical welds or unfamiliar materials.
Documenting Settings: Why a Simple Welding Procedure Specification (WPS) Matters
If you produce repeatable welds or work on safety-critical assemblies, documenting settings into a simple WPS saves time and reduces errors. A WPS typically records base material, filler, joint type, position, shielding gas, amperage, voltage, travel speed, preheat, interpass temperature, and post-weld steps. Even a concise sheet or photo of machine settings can prevent costly retesting and rework.
For hobby and one-off projects, the habit of keeping a notebook with working settings pays off because you will later remember what worked and what didn’t.
Practical Examples: Settings in Different Scenarios
Below I present a few scenario-based examples. These are illustrative and should be used with test pieces and caution.
Scenario A: Thin Sheet Steel — MIG Welding a 0.9 mm Panel
Thin panels show how delicate the balance is between current, voltage, and travel speed. Start with low wire feed/wire diameter and low voltage. Consider short-circuit transfer (short arc) rather than spray transfer. Use a small diameter wire (0.6–0.8 mm), low wire feed (3–6 m/min), and low voltage (around 14–16 V). Travel quick enough to avoid burn-through but slow enough to maintain fusion. Run test beads on pieces of scrap before committing to the part.
Scenario B: Structural Fillet Weld on 6 mm Plate — Stick Welding
A structural fillet weld on 6 mm plate with E7018 electrodes might use a 3.2 mm electrode at 120–140 A. Maintain a steady arc length and a travel speed that produces a smooth, slightly convex bead without undercut. Keep an eye on preheat requirements; for critical structural applications, follow applicable codes and inspection steps.
Scenario C: TIG Welding 3 mm Aluminum Butt Joint
TIG on aluminum often uses AC with a 2.4 mm filler rod and amps in the 80–120 A range depending on joint and heat dissipation. Balance the AC frequency and balance control to achieve cleaning action with good penetration. Use argon shielding, ensure oxide removal, and practice steady handwork. Smaller bead techniques and multiple passes may be necessary for a controlled result.
Measuring and Recording Travel Speed to Control Heat Input
Travel speed is sometimes the least measured but most impactful variable. Use simple methods to estimate travel speed: mark a distance on the workpiece and time how long it takes to complete the bead with a stopwatch. Recording travel speed helps you calculate heat input and compare results between passes and setups. Aim to keep travel speed consistent for consistent results.
Cleaning and Fit-Up: The Unsung Partners of Proper Current and Voltage
No matter how carefully you set Schweißstrom und -spannung, dirty, oily, rusty, or improperly fit-up joints will not weld correctly. Cleaning with wire brushes, grinders, solvents, and achieving the correct gap are simple actions that pay large dividends. For TIG welding, especially on aluminum and stainless, meticulous cleaning is crucial for avoiding porosity and ensuring fusion.
When to Ask for Professional Help or Certification
If your work affects public safety, structural integrity, pressure systems, or is subject to codes (ASME, AWS, EN, ISO), you should follow formal procedures and possibly seek certified welders and inspectors. For small home projects, the approach in this guide will help you learn safely and efficiently, but for critical or legally regulated work, do not skip formal qualification, documentation, and inspection steps.
Summary: Tying Schweißstrom und -spannung Together with Practice and Observation
Mastering Schweißstrom und -spannung is a continuous learning process. Start with manufacturer charts and rules of thumb, set baseline parameters, and then test methodically. Observe the arc and bead closely: look for penetration, fusion, appearance, spatter, and puddle control. Adjust one variable at a time and keep records so you can repeat successful results. Modern power sources with pulse and waveform controls open powerful options, but the fundamentals remain: current controls heat/penetration, voltage controls arc length/bead shape, and travel speed controls heat per unit length.
Welding is as much a sensory skill as a technical one — listening to the arc, watching the puddle, and feeling the torch motion all inform good decisions. Pair that sensory feedback with the practical guidelines in this guide and you will find yourself making reliable settings and achieving excellent welds.
Quick Reference Tables and Cheat Sheets
Here are quick reference snippets you can print or paste into your phone for common scenarios. Use them only as starting points and test where it matters.
Cheat Sheet: MIG Quick Starts
| Material Thickness | Wire Diam. | Wire Feed m/min | Voltage (V) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8–1.5 mm | 0.6 mm | 3–6 | 14–16 | Short arc, low heat |
| 1.5–3.0 mm | 0.8 mm | 4–10 | 16–18 | General repair and panels |
| 3.0–6.0 mm | 1.0 mm | 8–16 | 18–22 | Structural and general joining |
Cheat Sheet: TIG Quick Starts
| Material | Thickness | Suggested Amps | Polarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steel | 0.5–1.0 mm | 10–60 | DCEN |
| Steel | 1.0–4.0 mm | 40–160 | DCEN |
| Aluminum | 0.8–3.0 mm | 35–120 | AC |
Final Thoughts: Patience, Testing, and the Joy of Learning
Welding well requires patience, methodical testing, and an eagerness to learn from each bead. Schweißstrom und -spannung are central levers you control to shape weld performance. Use them with respect, keep safety first, and develop the habit of making small, deliberate adjustments backed by test welds. You’ll develop a mental model that lets you pick great starting settings quickly and fine-tune effectively.
If you want, I can generate printable checklists or a simple WPS template you can adapt for your projects. I can also create a troubleshooting flowchart or a compact cheat sheet tailored to one specific process and material you work with most often. Tell me your most common welding scenario (process, material, thickness) and I’ll prepare focused, practical guidance you can use at the bench.
Useful Resources and Further Reading
To continue improving, consider the following types of resources: manufacturer datasheets for electrodes and wires, welding handbooks (AWS, ISO, EN standards), training courses (online and in-person), and local welding clubs or mentors. Hands-on practice combined with these resources accelerates learning more than theory alone.
Thank you for reading this detailed guide on Schweißstrom und -spannung. Remember: start modestly, observe carefully, change one variable at a time, and always prioritize safety. If you want a downloadable version of any table or a customized WPS, let me know exactly what processes and materials you use and I’ll prepare it.
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