What is spatter in the context of welding?

Spatter refers specifically to the metal particles that are expelled during the welding process, particularly in fusion welding techniques like MIG welding. These particles are ejected from the weld pool due to the intense heat and energy involved in the process but do not coalesce into the primary weld joint. As a result, they remain separate from the main weld bead and can land on the base material or surrounding work area.

Understanding spatter is important for welders because while it occurs naturally in many welding processes, excessive spatter can lead to cleaning and finishing challenges after welding, as well as aesthetic concerns regarding the appearance of the weld area. It is crucial to manage the factors that affect spatter generation, such as welding parameters and shielding gas flow, to optimize the welding process and improve overall weld quality.