Key words: flux cored wire, gas metal arc welding, MAG welding process, on-line monitoring, solid wire, stability, welding parameters

Abstract: This paper presents the distribution of the main welding parameters (welding voltage and welding current) for semiautomatic arc welding with the metal active gas (MAG) process, using both flux-cored and solid electrodes. Two different shielding gases were used: pure CO₂ and 82 % Ar + 18 % CO₂. Welding parameters were recorded by an on-line monitoring system. Besides reporting the distribution of the welding parameters, this paper presents some results of off-line analyses (such as spectral analysis, mean values, range, and standard deviations). From these data, we were able to estimate the stability of the welding parameters. Comparison of the stability data for different components permits the selection of optimal power sources, welding parameters, filler material, shielding gas, etc.