Visualization of a CMT Process

CMT, or Cold Metal Transfer, is a modified GMAW process in that it retracts the wire when detecting a short, allowing for cooling of the weld before the next drop which results in smoother and stronger weld.

In this setup: the torch diameter is 21.1 mm while the wire diameter is 1.2 mm thick. The protection gas used was Argon 68%, Helium 30%, CO2 2%. In this test the wire feeding speed was 13,5 cm/s.

We used a Phantom Camera V2640 together with our CAVILUX laser illumination, and recorded at a frame rate of 12,000 fps with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. This video is slowed down further from a 120 fps video which gives us a slow motion rate of even much more than our usual 1:200.

As the result of eliminating the bright arc with our CAVILUX system, the welding process is visible with immense details. Pay close attention to the big spatter from the wire ejected towards the left twisting and turning and changing shapes before turning into a perfect sphere and going out of frame. The ripples are also easily visible on the meltpool travelling across to the right side of the process.

Let us know what else you find interesting in this footage in the comments section.

Video was taken in cooperation with LAL - Laser Application Laboratory of Tampere University (former Tampere University of Technology).

Used camera: Phantom v2640 provided by Citius Imaging Ltd.

Read more about CAVILUX laser illumination: http://bit.ly/CAVILUX_laser_illumination

Read more about the imaging of additive manufacturing processes: https://applications.cavitar.com/addi...

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