If excessive spatter occurs during GMAW, what should the welder adjust?

When excessive spatter occurs during Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), adjusting parameters such as voltage, travel speed, or gas flow rate is the most effective response. Each of these factors directly influences the stability of the arc and the quality of the weld.

Increasing the voltage can improve arc stability and help produce a smoother welding arc, which reduces the likelihood of spatter. Likewise, adjusting the travel speed can help control the heat input and puddle size, allowing for better control of the molten metal and minimizing spatter. Similarly, modifying the gas flow rate can enhance shielding effectiveness, preventing contamination and allowing for a cleaner weld.

The other options are more limited in scope. Adjusting only the gas composition would not adequately address issues related to arc stability or travel speed that contribute to spatter. Adjusting only the wire feed speed may help in some contexts, but it does not take into account how the other factors also significantly impact the spatter. Finally, focusing solely on the workpiece temperature can be beneficial in some scenarios, but it's not directly related to controlling the spatter that relates to the overall welding process dynamics. Thus, manipulating multiple parameters as indicated in the correct answer provides a comprehensive approach to tackling excessive spatter in GMAW.