Shielded metal arc welding (Stick electrode welding) is most broadly used in shipboard maintenance and repair welding. In welding two pieces of metal together, an electric arc is established the end of the coated electrode and the base metal in the joint. When the electric arc is struck between the tip of the electrode and the work piece (Base metal), molten droplets from the electrode are transferred to and mixed with the molten metal in the joint. As the arc progresses along the joint the molten weld metal cools and solidities forming a strong, integral bond in the joint. Arc welder converts shipboard power – usually 220, 380 or 440 volts, alternating currents (AC) to an output in the form of AC (Transformer) or DC (Rectifier) current. Typical welding currents may range from 30 to 400 amperes at voltage of 22 to 32 volts. Most electrodes used for shipboard maintenance welding operate at less than 200 amperes. So a current output of 400 amperes will suffice for most carbon arc applications. The output AC/DC type will be more flexible and better suited to a wide range of conditions. Please specify the following points when ordering: 1. Type of welder required; 1) Transformer (AC) 2) Rectifier (DC) 3) Transformer/Rectifier (AC/DC) 2. Main supply: Voltage and Frequency 3. Maximum output capacity: Current amperes