Heat input from welding is important because it has an effect on cooling rates which in turn can significantly affect the mechanical properties of the weld and heat-affected zone. It also plays a role in susceptibility to distortion. High heat input can be beneficial in some cases and detrimental in others. A common misconception is that as long as amperage and voltage remain the same heat input doesn’t change. This is wrong because travel speed is also a factor. Heat input is a function of three essential variables: amperage, voltage, and travel speed. Change one and heat input changes. The formula for … Continue reading Heat input and Weld size (leg-length)