Welding is an important skill used to join metals. There are many ways to weld. Two common methods are CC welding and CV welding. But what do these mean? How are they different? This article will explain these types in simple words. You will learn what they do and when to use them.
What is Welding Power Source?
To understand CV and CC, we first need to know about the welding power source. This is the machine that gives power to the welding tool. It controls the electricity during welding. The power source can control either the current or the voltage.
What is Constant Current (CC) Welding?
CC stands for Constant Current. This means the machine keeps the current steady. The current is the flow of electricity that heats the metal. In CC welding, the current stays the same even if voltage changes.
For example, when you move the welding electrode away, the voltage goes up. But the current stays steady. This helps keep the heat steady. A steady heat means a stable welding arc.
Where Is Cc Welding Used?
- Stick Welding (SMAW): This is manual welding using a rod.
- TIG Welding (GTAW): This uses a tungsten electrode and is also manual.
In both these methods, the welder controls the distance of the electrode. The machine helps by keeping the current steady.
Key Features Of Cc Welding
- Current stays steady.
- Voltage changes with electrode distance.
- Good for manual welding.
- Helps keep stable heat.
What is Constant Voltage (CV) Welding?
CV stands for Constant Voltage. This means the machine keeps the voltage steady. Voltage is the force that pushes current through the metal. In CV welding, the voltage stays the same even if current changes.
For example, if the welding wire moves too far, the current drops. The machine then adjusts the arc length automatically. This is called self-regulation. It helps keep the arc length stable.
Where Is Cv Welding Used?
- MIG Welding (GMAW): This uses a wire fed automatically.
- Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): This also uses wire but with flux inside.
In these methods, the machine controls the arc length by keeping the voltage steady.
Key Features Of Cv Welding
- Voltage stays steady.
- Current changes with wire feed speed.
- Good for wire-feed welding.
- Arc length self-regulates.
Differences Between CC and CV Welding
Let’s look at the main differences in a simple table.
| Feature | Constant Current (CC) | Constant Voltage (CV) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Variable | Amperage (Current) | Voltage |
| Control | Maintains steady current | Maintains steady voltage |
| Common Welding Types | Stick (SMAW), TIG (GTAW) | MIG (GMAW), Flux-Cored (FCAW) |
| Arc Length Control | Manual by welder | Automatic by machine |
| Best For | Manual welding with electrode | Semi-automatic wire-feed welding |
Why Does This Matter?
Choosing the right welding power source is very important. It affects the weld quality and ease of use. If you use CC welding for wire-feed, the arc may be unstable. If you use CV welding for stick welding, the heat may not stay steady.
Knowing the difference helps you pick the right machine. It also helps you weld better and safer.
How Does Each Type Work?
Cc Welding In Action
Imagine you are stick welding. You hold the rod near the metal. If you move the rod a little, the voltage changes. But the current stays the same. This keeps the heat steady. The arc stays strong. You can make a good weld.
Cv Welding In Action
Now imagine you are MIG welding. The wire feeds automatically. The machine controls the voltage. If the wire sticks out too long, the current drops. The machine senses this and corrects the arc length. This keeps the arc steady and smooth.
Advantages of CC Welding
- Good control for manual welding.
- Stable heat makes strong welds.
- Works well for thin or thick metals.
- Simple to use for beginners with manual tools.
Advantages of CV Welding
- Easy to use with wire feed machines.
- Self-regulating arc length saves time.
- Good for fast welding jobs.
- Produces smooth and clean welds.