Welding power sources designed only for wire feed welding can be used for SMAW. True or false?

Welding power sources designed only for wire feed welding can be used for SMAW. True or false?

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Not applicable
• D. Depends on model

Answer: (B)

Welding power sources for wire feed welding and SMAW operate on different control modes. Wire feed machines are designed as constant-voltage (CV) sources that regulate arc behavior mainly through a prepared wire feed and stable voltage, with current following the wire feed rate. SMAW needs a constant-current (CC) source that can adjust current as the electrode is used, providing a stable arc and enough current for striking and maintaining the arc with a stick electrode. The open-circuit voltage and current control in a wire-feeder are not set up for the requirements of SMAW, so trying to run SMAW on a unit built only for wire feed will result in a poor or unstable arc or an inability to strike the arc. That’s why the statement is false. If a machine truly supports SMAW as a mode, it would not be described as designed only for wire feed welding.

Welding power sources for wire feed welding and SMAW operate on different control modes. Wire feed machines are designed as constant-voltage (CV) sources that regulate arc behavior mainly through a prepared wire feed and stable voltage, with current following the wire feed rate. SMAW needs a constant-current (CC) source that can adjust current as the electrode is used, providing a stable arc and enough current for striking and maintaining the arc with a stick electrode. The open-circuit voltage and current control in a wire-feeder are not set up for the requirements of SMAW, so trying to run SMAW on a unit built only for wire feed will result in a poor or unstable arc or an inability to strike the arc. That’s why the statement is false. If a machine truly supports SMAW as a mode, it would not be described as designed only for wire feed welding.