How does a pulse arc welder work?

For MIG (wire welder), the welder switches between a high energy arc and a low energy arc thousands of times a second, that gives it that distinct buzzing sound. This gives you control over the heat input on the metal that your welding, and you will have a lot of control over the arc characteristics, like arc width and length. Some machines will give you control right down to the amperage for each side of the pulse, and frequency of the pulse. A pulse welder takes some practice to set, but once set properly, you will have little to now spatter to clean up, and less distortion on parts. That's it in a nut shell anyway.

NOTE: This is done in DC, some machines that are designed for welding aluminum can pulse in AC, most MIG welders that use pulse are only CV or both CC/CV power sources and ARE NOT capable of welding in AC.

SIDE NOTE: Welding Aluminum is possible with a DC Pulse welder, given that the proper gas, wire, and weld gun is used.

CC: Constant Current

CV: Constant Voltage

AC: Alternating Current

DC: Direct Current