Estimate arc length from voltage, electrode type, and process parameters for consistent weld quality
Input Parameters
Results
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Estimated Arc Length
in
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Arc Length
mm
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Arc Power
kW
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Arc Energy per Inch
kJ/in
Note: Arc length is approximately proportional to voltage above the minimum cathode/anode drop. Ideal arc length is typically 1x electrode diameter for SMAW, shorter for GTAW.
Reference
Arc Length from Voltage:
GMAW: L = (V - 14) / 2.1 (approx, argon-rich)
SMAW: L = (V - 20) / 1.5
GTAW: L = (V - 10) / 2.5
Arc Power = V x I (watts)
Arc Energy = (V x I x 60) / (travel speed x 1000)