Which of the following is NOT an advantage of GMAW?

High shielding gas volume is not considered an advantage of Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW). In fact, the use of shielding gas is crucial for the process as it protects the weld pool from contamination by atmospheric gases. However, an excessive volume of shielding gas can lead to issues such as increased consumption costs and potential weld defects due to turbulence, which may result in poor arc stability or contamination of the weld pool.

In contrast, the other options highlight the benefits of GMAW. The high deposition rate allows for efficient welding, enabling faster production times and increased productivity. Cost-effective operation reflects the overall efficiency of GMAW, including lower material waste and reduced labor costs due to the ease of use and speed of the process. Finally, the characteristic of producing little spatter contributes to cleaner work areas and reduced post-weld cleanup, enhancing the overall quality of the finished weld. Thus, while shielding gas is important, having a high volume is not an advantage and can even be detrimental.