MMA "Stick" Welding: What is Hot Start, Arc Force & Anti-Stick?

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What is Hot Start ?

Hot Start is a special feature for MMA (stick-electrode) welding where the machine delivers a peak of current when striking the arc. This is important as it significantly increases the ease of starting electrodes, especially in difficult conditions such as damp electrodes, imperfect job surface, or when using &#;difficult to run&#; electrodes, etc.

What is Arc Force ?

Arc Force, sometimes called "Dig" or "Arc Control", is a similar feature to Hot Start, except Arc Force operates during welding, not just at ignition. When the welding machine senses a short circuit it will deliver a peak of current. This greatly assists in stabilizing the arc, preventing the arc from cutting out while welding and preventing electrode sticking.

What is Anti-Stick ?

Anti-Stick allows the stick welding electrode to be easily detached, if it does begin to stick to the job. When the machine senses that the electrode is sticking, it will collapse the welding current to stop the electrode from continuing to weld itself to the job, allowing it to break free easily.

Weldforce Machines by Weldclass

These days, most inverter welding machines have Hot-Start, Arc-Force and Anti-Stick as built-in, pre-set functions.

However, in the case of Weldforce® welding machines by Weldclass, many of our models also allow you to adjust Arc-Force and Hot-Start, if you choose. This allows you to further customise machine settings and performance to suit every job. 
Weldforce models with adjustable arc-force and hot-start include; WF-140ST, WF-180ST, WF-205MST and WF-255MST.

Other MMA / Stick Welding Articles:

The MMA / Stick welding process

What is Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) ?

Using Generators to power Inverter Welders

Welding electrode drying ovens

The benefits of twin-coated electrodes

Why you will never get a good weld with a bad earth clamp

While all care has been taken, Weldclass accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors or omissions in this information or links and attachments. Any comments, suggestions & recommendations are of a general nature only and may not apply to certain applications. It is the sole responsibility of the user and/or operator to select the appropriate product for their intended purpose and to ensure that the product selected is capable of performing correctly and safely in the intended application. E.&O.E.

MIG and MMA welding machines are both commonly used in metal fabrication and welding. However, they differ in several important ways, including their operation, the types of welding they are best suited for, and the materials they can weld. In this article, we will discuss the main differences between MIG and MMA welding machines.

MIG Welding Machine

MIG stands for Metal Inert Gas welding. This process involves using a wire feed that is continuously fed through a welding gun. The wire is connected to a power source that provides the necessary electricity to heat and melt the wire, which is then used to join two pieces of metal together.

 MIG Welding Machine

MIG welding machines typically use a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. The gas is usually a mixture of argon and carbon dioxide, but other gases such as helium or nitrogen can also be used. The shielding gas is typically fed through the welding gun along with the wire.

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MIG welding is often used for welding thin sheet metal or other lightweight materials, as it produces a clean, precise weld with minimal spatter. It can also be used for welding thicker materials, such as structural steel or aluminum, although it may require a higher amperage setting or a different type of wire.

MIG welding is often preferred for its ease of use and speed. It is a relatively simple process that can be learned quickly, and the continuous wire feed allows for fast welding without the need for frequent stops to reload. However, MIG welding does require a steady hand and good control, as the welds can be difficult to control if the operator is not careful.

MMA Welding Machine

MMA stands for Manual Metal Arc welding. This process involves using an electrode, typically made of a metal rod or stick, that is manually fed into the welding arc. The electrode is connected to a power source that provides the necessary electricity to heat and melt the metal, which is then used to join two pieces of metal together.

 MMA Welding Machine

MMA welding machines do not require a shielding gas, as the electrode itself provides a protective coating that melts and covers the weld pool. This coating also helps to prevent atmospheric contamination from affecting the weld quality.

MMA welding is often used for welding thicker materials, such as steel or cast iron, as it produces a strong, durable weld that can withstand high stress and strain. It can also be used for welding in outdoor or windy conditions, as the electrode coating provides some protection from the wind and weather.

MMA welding is more difficult to master than MIG welding, as it requires a steady hand and good control over the welding arc. The operator must also be careful to maintain the correct electrode angle and maintain a consistent distance between the electrode and the workpiece.

  MMA Welding Machine

Comparison of MIG and MMA Welding Machines

Operation:

MIG welding machines use a continuous wire feed that is fed through a welding gun, while MMA welding machines use a metal electrode that is manually fed into the welding arc.

Shielding gas:

MIG welding machines require a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, while MMA welding machines do not require a shielding gas.

Types of welding:

MIG welding is often used for welding thin sheet metal or other lightweight materials, while MMA welding is often used for welding thicker materials, such as steel or cast iron.

Materials:

MIG welding can be used to weld a variety of materials, including steel, aluminum, and other metals. MMA welding is best suited for welding steel and cast iron.

Ease of use:

MIG welding is generally easier to learn and faster to operate than MMA welding, although it does require a steady hand and good control. MMA welding is more difficult to master but can produce stronger, more durable welds.

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