An almost horizontal output slope characterizes which machine?

An almost horizontal output slope characterizes which machine?

• A. Constant Current Machine.
• B. Constant Voltage Machine.
• C. Rising Arc Voltage Machine.
• D. High Amperage Welding Machine.

Answer: (B)

In welding power sources, keeping the output voltage nearly constant across a wide current range defines a constant voltage machine. That produces an almost horizontal slope because, as you increase current, the arc voltage stays about the same, giving a flat voltage-on-a-plot behavior. This is typical of MIG/MAG and TIG supplies, where a stable arc length (and voltage) makes welding easier to control. In contrast, constant current machines regulate the current while the arc voltage varies with arc length, so the slope wouldn’t be flat. The other options describe different voltage–current behaviors or capacities rather than this constant-voltage regulation.

In welding power sources, keeping the output voltage nearly constant across a wide current range defines a constant voltage machine. That produces an almost horizontal slope because, as you increase current, the arc voltage stays about the same, giving a flat voltage-on-a-plot behavior. This is typical of MIG/MAG and TIG supplies, where a stable arc length (and voltage) makes welding easier to control. In contrast, constant current machines regulate the current while the arc voltage varies with arc length, so the slope wouldn’t be flat. The other options describe different voltage–current behaviors or capacities rather than this constant-voltage regulation.