Spattering and undercutting are caused by which condition?

Spattering and undercutting are caused by which condition?

• A. Current is too high.
• B. Low ambient temperature.
• C. Voltage too low.
• D. Inadequate electrode angle.

Answer: (C)

In welding, keeping the arc stable and the heat input in the proper range is essential for a good weld bead. When the welding voltage is too low, the arc becomes very short and can wander or become unstable. That instability makes it hard to form a smooth, continuous weld pool, so the base metal at the toe can melt away unevenly, creating an undercut. At the same time, an erratic arc can eject droplets rather than depositing them neatly, which shows up as spatter. Adjusting the voltage to the correct level helps stabilize the arc and produce a proper bead with less spatter and no undercut. Other factors like electrode angle or ambient temperature influence bead shape or other issues, but the combination of spatter and undercut is most directly tied to insufficient voltage and the resulting unstable arc.

In welding, keeping the arc stable and the heat input in the proper range is essential for a good weld bead. When the welding voltage is too low, the arc becomes very short and can wander or become unstable. That instability makes it hard to form a smooth, continuous weld pool, so the base metal at the toe can melt away unevenly, creating an undercut. At the same time, an erratic arc can eject droplets rather than depositing them neatly, which shows up as spatter. Adjusting the voltage to the correct level helps stabilize the arc and produce a proper bead with less spatter and no undercut. Other factors like electrode angle or ambient temperature influence bead shape or other issues, but the combination of spatter and undercut is most directly tied to insufficient voltage and the resulting unstable arc.