What duty cycle is recommended for an SAW power source?

What duty cycle is recommended for an SAW power source?

• A. 50%
• B. 100%
• C. 75%
• D. 25%

Answer: (B)

In SAW welding, the power source needs to provide heat continuously along the weld length. A duty cycle describes how long the source can supply rated current before it must shut down to cool. Since SAW aims for steady, uninterrupted deposition, you want a power source that can run at rated current with no planned downtime—the continuous duty capability. Other duty-cycle options imply stopping for cooling or rest periods, which would break the weld bead and slow production. So the recommended approach is continuous operation, allowing the power source to stay on and deliver current without interruption.

In SAW welding, the power source needs to provide heat continuously along the weld length. A duty cycle describes how long the source can supply rated current before it must shut down to cool. Since SAW aims for steady, uninterrupted deposition, you want a power source that can run at rated current with no planned downtime—the continuous duty capability. Other duty-cycle options imply stopping for cooling or rest periods, which would break the weld bead and slow production. So the recommended approach is continuous operation, allowing the power source to stay on and deliver current without interruption.