Which welding process typically requires the use of a short circuiting transfer mode?

The choice of MIG welding as the process that typically requires short circuiting transfer mode is based on how this technique operates to weld metals effectively, particularly thinner materials. MIG welding, or Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW), utilizes a continuous wire electrode and a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from contamination.

In short circuiting transfer mode, the molten metal from the wire electrode makes intermittent contact with the workpiece, allowing for a short circuit to form. This results in a low heat input, which is ideal for thin materials, minimizing the risk of burn-through while still providing good penetration and control over the weld pool. This mode is particularly advantageous in applications where heat-sensitive components are being welded or where precise control is necessary.

In contrast, other welding processes do not typically use short circuiting transfer. For instance, TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding relies on a non-consumable tungsten electrode and produces an arc between the tungsten and the workpiece, thus it does not involve the same transfer mode. Similarly, submerged arc welding (SAW) involves a continuous feed of metal through a protective layer of flux, eliminating the possibility of short circuiting transfer. Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) uses a consum