In automatic arc welding, what does 'start time' refer to?

In automatic arc welding, 'start time' specifically refers to the period during which the welding arc is energized after the initiation of the welding process. This is a critical phase where the welding operation begins, and it includes the time taken from when the welding arc is ignited to when it reaches its stable operating condition. This phase is important because it affects the quality of the weld; if the start time is too short or too long, it can lead to defects such as poor penetration or lack of fusion. Understanding start time allows operators to optimize the welding parameters for better weld quality and consistency.