What is a primary cause of weld spatter?

Weld spatter is primarily caused by issues that directly affect the quality of the arc and the welding process. When the arc blow occurs, it disrupts the stability of the arc, leading to inconsistent melting of the electrode and base metal. Similarly, if the current is set too high, it increases the heat input, which can also lead to excessive melting and result in spatter.

Both arc blow and excessively high current disrupt the smooth transfer of molten material from the electrode to the workpiece, leading to drops of molten metal being propelled away from the weld area, manifesting as spatter. This understanding is crucial for welders as it highlights the importance of proper arc stability and current settings for achieving cleaner welds with minimal spatter.

The other options relate to factors that can affect the welding process but do not directly cause spatter in the same way. For instance, improper electrode storage may affect the flux coating of the electrode but is less likely to cause spatter directly. Similarly, occluded gas flow mainly affects the shielding of the weld rather than spatter itself. The electrode diameter could influence the penetration and bead shape, but it is not a primary cause of spatter. Understanding how these factors work together is essential for producing high