What is spatter in GMAW?

• A. A type of shielding gas.
• B. Unintended molten metal droplets.
• C. A welding technique.
• D. A measure of weld depth.

Answer: (B)

Spatter in GMAW are unintended molten metal droplets that are expelled from the weld pool and land on the workpiece or nearby surfaces. These tiny droplets are a byproduct of the arc energy and metal transfer during welding and can create a messy, rough finish that requires cleanup. It’s not related to the shielding gas, which protects the weld from the atmosphere, nor to a welding technique or to how deep the weld penetrates. Spatter mainly points to adjustments in welding parameters or conditions—arc length, current and voltage, wire feed speed, tip-to-work distance, and the cleanliness of the surface—and is something welders work to minimize for a cleaner, more professional weld.