Which welding technique is often used to improve joint characteristics in GMAW?

Pulsed welding is often utilized in GMAW to enhance joint characteristics by controlling heat input and improving weld bead appearance. This technique involves varying the current between a high peak and a low background level, allowing for greater control over the weld pool and minimizing distortion and burn-through, especially on thinner materials.

The ability to provide a lower background current helps reduce heat-affected zones and potentially increases the quality of the weld by reducing the likelihood of defects like porosity and excessive spatter. Additionally, pulsed welding promotes better penetration and fusion, which are essential for achieving strong, high-quality joints.

Other techniques mentioned are not specifically employed in GMAW for improving joint characteristics to the same extent as pulsed welding. Direct current welding can be utilized but does not inherently provide the same benefits as pulsed welding in terms of heat management and weld pool control. Arc welding is a broader term that encompasses various methods and does not singularly refer to one technique or its advantages. Resistive welding, on the other hand, is not a GMAW technique and operates on a fundamentally different principle than GMAW.