Hitsausvirta

Hitsausvirta refers to the electrical current used in arc welding processes. This current is crucial for generating the heat necessary to melt the base metal and any filler material, forming a weld joint. The magnitude and type of welding current significantly influence the welding process, the penetration of the weld, and the overall quality of the weld.

Different welding processes, such as shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), gas metal arc welding (GMAW), and tungsten inert gas welding (TIG), utilize varying ranges of welding current. For instance, thicker materials generally require higher welding currents to achieve adequate penetration, while thinner materials necessitate lower currents to prevent burn-through. The choice of welding current is also influenced by the type of electrode or filler wire being used, the welding position, and the desired weld bead profile.

Welding current can be either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). DC current can be supplied in a straight polarity (electrode negative) or reverse polarity (electrode positive), each offering different penetration and heat distribution characteristics. AC current oscillates between positive and negative, providing a balance between penetration and cleaning action, and is often preferred for welding aluminum. Understanding and controlling the welding current is a fundamental skill for any welder to ensure safe and effective joining of materials.