This article provides the basic physics of the two most widely used arc welding processes: gas tungsten arc welding and gas metal arc welding. It describes the various control parameters of these processes such as arc length control, voltage control, heat input control, and metal-transfer control.

Heat and mass transfer in arc welding is normally studied from the standpoint of the weld pool and heat-affected zone. This article examines the heat and mass transfer from the arc to the base metal during the gas metal arc welding process. It also provides information on the selecting parameters for the development of welding procedures.

This article provides information on heat and mass transfer from the arc to the base metal in the gas-metal arc welding (GMAW) process. It discusses the development of welding procedures and the general operation of the process. The issues described in this article include the: total heat transferred to the base metal; partitioning of heat transfer between the arc and the molten electrode droplets; transfer modes of the droplets; role of the arc in droplet transfer; and simple model for welding procedure development based on an understanding of heat and mass transfer to the base metal.

This article discusses the operation principles, advantages, limitations, process parameters, consumables or electrodes, the equipment used, process variations, and safety considerations of gas metal arc welding (GMAW). It reviews the important variables of the GMAW process that affect weld penetration, bead shape, arc stability, productivity, and overall weld quality. These include welding consumables, equipment settings, and gun manipulation. The major components of a GMAW installation such as a welding gun, shielding gas supply, electrode feed unit, power source, and associated controls are discussed.

Plasma gas metal arc welding (GMAW) is a process that can be defined as a combination of plasma arc welding (PAW) and GMAW within a single torch, where a filler wire is fed through the plasma nozzle orifice. Although originally referred to as plasma-MIG welding, the preferred term is plasma-GMAW. This article provides a detailed discussion on the operating procedures, advantages, disadvantages, and applications of GMAW and describes the equipment used in the plasma-GMAW.

Gas-metal arc welding (GMAW) is an arc welding process that joins metals together by heating them with an electric arc that is established between a consumable electrode (wire) and a workpiece. This article discusses the advantages and limitations, operating principle, metal transfer mechanisms, and process variables of the GMAW process. The process variables include welding current, polarity, arc voltage, travel speed, electrode extension, electrode orientation, and electrode diameter. The major components of the basic equipment for a typical GMAW installation are discussed. The article also describes two consumable elements, such as electrode and shielding gas, of the GMAW process. It concludes with information on the safety aspects.