The influence of copper content of welding wires on the fume formation rates in gas metal arc welding of steel

Increases in Fume Formation Rates (FFR) of welding wires have been attributed to the fact that wires are copper coated. Instability during the welding process can have an influence on the FFR. The University of Wollongong has developed an auto control mechanism that will minimise the influence of the instability and this could be applied to more accurately determine the FFR of welding wires in the "drop-spray" mode of transfer.