What term describes the distance from the tube to the arc measured along the wire length in GMAW?

The term that describes the distance from the welding contact tube to the arc, measured along the length of the wire in Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), is referred to as "stickout." This measurement is crucial as it can influence the welding process, including arc stability, heat input, and weld penetration. A proper stickout distance helps ensure an effective transfer of heat and wire feed into the weld joint, allowing for optimal welding conditions.

When the stickout is too short, there may not be sufficient heat for proper melting and fusion, while an excessive stickout can lead to erratic arc stability and increased spatter due to the higher likelihood of the wire becoming oxidized or contaminated as it extends further from the contact tip. Therefore, maintaining the correct stickout contributes significantly to the quality and integrity of the welded joint.