Basic MIG Welding
Good weld quality and weld profile depends on gun angle, direction of travel, electrode extension (stick out), travel speed, thickness of base
metal, wire feed speed (amperage) and arc voltage. To follow are some basic guides to assist with your setup.
Gun Position - Travel Direction, Work Angle
Gun position or technique usually refers to how the wire is directed at the base metal, the angle and travel direction chosen. Travel speed and work angle
will determine the characteristic of the weld bead profile and degree of weld penetration.
Push Technique
The wire is located at the leading edge of the weld pool and pushed towards the un-melted work surface. This technique offers a better view of the weld
joint and direction of the wire into the weld joint. Push technique directs the heat away from the weld puddle allowing faster travel speeds providing a
flatter weld profile with light penetration - useful for welding thin materials. The welds are wider and flatter allowing for minimal clean up / grinding time.
Perpendicular Technique
The wire is fed directly into the weld, this technique is used primarily for automated situations or when conditions make it necessary. The weld profile is
generally higher and a deeper penetration is achieved.
Drag Technique
The gun and wire is dragged away from the weld bead. The arc and heat is concentrated on the weld pool, the base metal receives more heat, deeper
melting, more penetration and the weld profile is higher with more build up.
10
°
Wire pointed ahead of bead
Wire pointed back into bead
Travel direction
Travel direction
Travel direction
(A) Push Technique
(B) Gun Perpendicular
(C) Drag Technique
10
°
Flat even weld profile light
penetration
Narrower weld profile
even penetration
Narrow higher weld profile
more penetration
16
| VIPER 120 SYNERGIC MIG Welder Manual
MIG WELDING GUIDE
