For GMAW, which of the following characteristics is important for the welding wire?

High tensile strength is crucial for GMAW (Gas Metal Arc Welding) welding wire because it directly impacts the performance and durability of the weld. A wire with high tensile strength ensures that the weld can withstand significant stress and load without failure, which is essential for maintaining structural integrity in welded components. The strength of the weld is especially important in applications where safety and reliability are paramount, such as in construction and manufacturing, where the welded structures may be subjected to dynamic loads or environmental conditions.

In the context of GMAW, using a wire with appropriate tensile strength also aids in achieving a strong fusion between the base metals being welded. This is particularly important since the process often involves welding various grades of steel, where the mechanical properties of the weld must match or exceed those of the base metals for optimal performance.

While other factors like cost, melting point, and compatibility with coatings may influence the selection of welding wire, they do not hold the same level of significance in terms of the immediate performance and mechanical properties of the weld joint itself. Thus, high tensile strength stands out as the most important characteristic for the welding wire used in GMAW processes.