2026-11-13
Understanding the relationship between lift height, arc voltage, welding energy, and equipment settings. 1. What Is Lift Height in Drawn Arc Stud Welding? Lift height is a key process parameter in drawn arc stud welding. It refers to the distance the welding gun lifts the stud from the workpiece at the beginning of the welding current stage. The drawn arc stud welding process consists of four stages: Short-Circuit Stage – The stud contacts the workpiece, completing the electrical circuit. Pilot Current Stage – A pilot current is applied to initiate the arc. Welding Current Stage – At the beginning of this stage, the welding gun lifts the stud to a preset distance from the workpiece. This distance is the lift height. The main welding current then maintains the arc and melts the stud end and the corresponding area of the workpiece. Upset Current Stage – The stud is plunged into the molten pool. The power source continues to apply current to the workpiece, reducing the cooling rate and helping maintain the plasticity of the joint to form a sound and reliable connection. Lift height is therefore more than a mechanical position setting. It directly affects the arc voltage during welding and, consequently, the energy delivered to the joint. 2. How Does Lift Height Affect Arc Voltage and Welding Energy? In drawn arc stud welding, lift height directly influences the arc voltage. According to the SAW3600R series technical documentation, increasing the lift height raises the arc voltage. When welding current and welding time remain unchanged, a higher arc voltage results in greater energy input. This relationship can be understood through Joule’s law: the electrical energy converted into heat depends on current, arc resistance, and the duration of current flow. Arc voltage reflects the arc resistance in the welding circuit and is…
