What Are the 5 Parameters of Welding and What Do They Mean?

The five essential parameters of welding are commonly known as CLAMS:

• Current
• Length of arc
• Angle
• Manipulation
• Speed

These fundamental elements work together to create strong, reliable welds that are crucial for various industrial applications. This guide discusses each parameter to help you understand how it contributes to successful welding.

Further reading: What Gases Are Used in Welding?

Understanding Current and Its Impact on Weld Quality

Current is the backbone of any welding operation – it determines both the heat input and penetration depth of your weld. Think of it as the power behind your welding torch.

Too little current and you’ll end up with poor fusion and weak welds. Too much, and you risk burning through your material, especially on thinner metals like aluminum.

For example, when welding 1/4-inch mild steel with a 6013 electrode, you might use 110-130 amps. But for thinner materials like 18-gauge sheet metal, you’d need to dial it back to around 70-90 amps.

Arc Length: Finding the Sweet Spot

Arc length is all about maintaining the right distance between your electrode tip and the workpiece.

The ideal arc length is typically equal to the diameter of your electrode’s metal core. When working with a 1/8-inch electrode, you should maintain roughly that same distance from your workpiece.

Getting the arc length wrong can lead to all sorts of problems. Too long an arc creates excessive spatter and poor penetration, while too short an arc can cause the electrode to stick.

Working the Angles: Position Matters

Proper angle control involves both work angle and travel angle, and it’s crucial for achieving optimal weld penetration and bead appearance.

For most flat-position welds, you’ll want to maintain a work angle of 90 degrees. When you’re doing fillet welds, adjust to about 45 degrees between the electrode and the joint.

Your travel angle should typically stay between 5-15 degrees in the direction of travel. This slight tilt helps you see the weld pool better and maintains consistent heat distribution.

Mastering Manipulation Techniques

Manipulation describes how you move the electrode along the joint. Precise manipulation gives you complete control over the bead size, weld pool, and weld quality.

Different joints and positions require different manipulation patterns. For a flat butt joint, a simple straight bead might work best. But for wider joints, you might need a weaving pattern to ensure proper fusion on both sides.

Either way, keep your movements smooth and consistent. Jerky or irregular movements can create weak spots in your weld.

Speed: Finding the Right Pace

Welding speed directly affects penetration depth and bead appearance. Move too fast, and you’ll get poor penetration. Too slow, and you risk excessive heat input and potential burn-through.

The right speed should produce a weld bead about 1.5 times the width of your electrode. You’ll know you’re moving at the right pace when your weld pool remains consistent in size throughout the joint.

Watch for signs like the shape of your weld pool and the sound of your arc. A nice, steady sizzling sound usually indicates you’re moving at the right speed.

Know Your CLAMS

By understanding and mastering the five CLAMS parameters, you can produce high-quality welds consistently. For the best results in your welding projects, make sure to find a supplier that provides top-quality welding gases and equipment that complement your expertise with these essential parameters.

Keep in mind that successful welding isn’t just about knowing these parameters – it’s about practicing them until they become second nature. 

Further reading: Is Gas Welding Faster than Arc Welding?