What is the voltage range for short circuit metal transfer?

The voltage range for short circuit metal transfer falls between 12 to 22 volts, making this the correct answer. Short circuit metal transfer is a welding process commonly used in gas metal arc welding (GMAW), especially suitable for welding thin materials and in situations requiring control over heat input.

In this transfer mode, the welding wire makes contact with the workpiece repeatedly, creating a short circuit. This results in the melting of the wire and the workpiece, allowing for effective welding in specific applications. The relatively low voltage is crucial in maintaining the short circuit condition, enabling stable and controlled arcs that produce consistent welds without excessive heat that could warp thinner materials.

Understanding the specifics of voltage in this range is important for welders to achieve the desired weld characteristics and avoid defects associated with higher voltage levels, such as burn-through or poor fusion. The other ranges specified would either be too low to sustain the necessary arc stability during metal transfer or too high, risking overheating and affecting the quality of the weld.