Gas-Welding-1024x683

Advantages of GMAV

The GMAV process enjoys wide application due to its ability to provide high quality welded joints, for a wide range of alloys of iron and non-ferrous iron, at a low cost. GMAV also has the following benefits:

• Ability to combine a wide range of types and thicknesses of materials.
• Simple equipment components are easily accessible and affordable.
• GMAV has higher electrode efficiency, usually between 93% and 98%, compared to other welding processes.
• Higher welder efficiency and operator factor, compared to other open arc welding processes.
• GMAV easily adapts to high robot speeds, heavy automation and semi-automatic welding applications.
• Possibility of welding in all positions.
• Great seam appearance.
• Lower layer of hydrogen in the weld - generally less than 5 mL / 100 g of weld metal.
• Lower heat input compared to other welding processes.
• Minimal splashes and slag make cleaning welds quick and easy.
• Less welding fumes compared to SMAV (protected arc metal welding) and FCAV (core arc welding) processes.
• Generally, lower cost per length of weld metal applied when compared to other open arc welding processes.
• Lower electrode cost.
• Minor distortions with GMAV-P (impulse spray transfer mode), GMAV-S (short circuit transfer mode) and STT  (surface Tension Transfer ™).
• Resolves bad fit with GMAV-S and STT modes.
• Reduced welding fumes.
• Minimal cleaning after welding.

Limitations of GMAV

• Lower thermal input, short-circuit characteristic, metal transfer mode limits its use to thin materials.
• Higher heat input and axial spray transfer generally limit its use for material thicknesses.
• The higher heat input mode of the axial spray is limited to straight or horizontal welding positions.
• The use of shielding gas based on argon for axial spraying and pulse spray transfer regimes are expensive than 100% carbon dioxide (CO2).