Which type of metal transfer involves a momentarily extinguished arc during the welding process?

Short circuit transfer is characterized by a momentarily extinguished arc during the welding process. In this method, the electrode wire makes contact with the workpiece, creating a short circuit that effectively cuts off the arc. As the heat builds up at the contact point, it leads to the melting of the wire, which then breaks the short circuit, allowing the arc to re-establish. This cycle of short circuiting and arc re-ignition occurs rapidly, facilitating the transfer of molten metal from the electrode to the weld pool.

This technique is particularly advantageous for welding thinner materials, as it allows for better control of heat input and lower temperatures, reducing the risk of warping or burning through the base metal. The regular interruption of the arc and the controlled transfer of metal help in managing the weld bead characteristics effectively.

The other methods do not exhibit this momentary extinguished arc behavior. Globular transfer involves larger droplets of molten metal forming at the end of the electrode, transferring to the workpiece without any interruption of the arc. Spray transfer maintains a continuous arc with fine droplets transferring across the gap, while pulsed spray transfer modulates the heat input but does not involve total interruption of the arc like short circuit transfer does.