What happens when excessive current is used while welding with GTAW?

Using excessive current in Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) leads to increased electrode erosion. The tungsten electrode is designed to withstand high temperatures, but when the current exceeds the recommended levels, it generates significantly more heat than intended. This extra heat causes the electrode to erode more quickly, resulting in a shorter lifespan for the electrode and potentially leading to contamination of the weld pool.

Additionally, while increased heat input and improved penetration may seem advantageous in some contexts, excessive current can actually produce poor-quality welds characterized by burn-through or warping of the base materials. Decreased arc stability can also occur, which is detrimental to creating a clean and controlled weld joint. Thus, the direct effect of excessive current is notable in the erosion of the electrode, making it the most accurate choice.