A Study on Spatter Tracking Algorithm for a Vertical GMA Welding Process

GMA (Gas Metal Arc) welding has the advantage of no slag formation and is becoming the most suitable technology for automated welding. Recently, robot welding and machine welding have been replaced by GMA welding. However, welding spatter has always been a problem with GMA welding, especially GMA welding using CO2 gas as a shielding gas. Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the occurrence of spatter. In this paper, the spatter generation process was analyzed and the amount of generated spatters was minimized by controlling the unstable waveform of the current. In addition, we developed a spatter tracking algorithm to confirm the effect of spatter reduction. Key words: Gas metal arc, Spatter, Spatter tracking algorithm, Welding automation