Arc Welding Power SourcesA welding power
source must deliver controllable current at a voltage according to the
requirements of Automatic arc welding machines may require power sources more complex than those used for semi-automated welding. An automatic welding machine usually electronically communicates with the power source to control the welding power program for optimum performance. A power source for arc welding is designed to provide electric power of the proper values and characteristics to maintain a stable arc suitable for welding.
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the welding process. Normally, the power required is from 10 to
35 V and from 5 to 500 A. The various welding processes and procedures have
specific arc characteristics that demand specific outputs of the welding machine.
characteristics output curve. The constant-power
(CP) is the conventional type of power source that has been used for many years
for shielded metal arc welding using stick electrodes. It can be used for
submerged arc welding and gas tungsten arc welding. The constant-voltage (CV) power source is the type normally used for gas
metal arc and flux cored arc welding using small-diameter electrode wire. The constant-current
(CC) power source is normally used for gas tungsten arc and plasma arc
welding. 
