What does wire feed speed indicate in the welding process?

Wire feed speed is a critical parameter in the Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) process as it directly influences the amount of filler material being deposited into the weld joint. Specifically, this speed refers to the rate at which the wire electrode is transported through the welding gun and into the weld pool.

An appropriate wire feed speed ensures that there is a continuous supply of filler material to sustain the welding arc and penetrate the base material effectively. If the wire feed speed is too high, it may lead to excessive material being deposited, causing poor fusion or even defects such as undercuts. Conversely, a low wire feed speed can result in insufficient material, leading to incomplete joints and a weaker weld.

Understanding wire feed speed allows welders to adjust the deposition rate according to the joint design and the thickness of the materials being welded, ultimately impacting the quality and strength of the finished weld.