Weld Arc Length Adjustment Tool
An educational tool for welders to understand the importance of arc length and get recommendations for different welding processes and electrodes.
Welding Setup
Select your process and electrode type to get an arc length recommendation.
The Subtle Art of Arc Length
Arc length is the distance between the tip of the electrode and the molten weld pool on the base metal. It might seem like a small detail, but it is one of the most critical variables a welder controls. The correct arc length directly impacts the stability of the arc, the amount of heat input, weld penetration, and the overall quality of the weld.
Effects of Incorrect Arc Length:
- Too Long: An excessively long arc becomes unstable, causing spatter and undercut. It reduces penetration and can lead to a loss of shielding gas coverage, resulting in porosity.
- Too Short: A very short arc can extinguish itself or cause the electrode to stick to the workpiece. In SMAW, it can be necessary for some rods, but in GTAW, it can lead to tungsten contamination of the weld.