Globular transfer occurs when the voltage is relatively what and the current is what relative to the transition current?

• A. Low, Below
• B. High, Below
• C. High, Above
• D. Low, Above

Answer: (B)

In gas metal arc welding, the transfer mode depends on how voltage and current relate to the transition current. Globular transfer happens when the arc voltage is relatively high, which lengthens the arc and favors larger droplets, while the current is below the transition current, so it isn’t high enough to produce the fine, spray droplets. The result is large, irregular droplets that detach and travel to the weld pool, causing spatter and a rougher bead. If the current were increased above the transition value (with the voltage still high), you’d move toward spray transfer with small, evenly spaced droplets. Lowering the voltage would push the process toward other transfer modes.