The “ARC Force” (also known as “arc control” or “dig” ) in welders refers to a function that regulates the current intensity when the electrode gets too close to the material during welding.
In simple terms:
The ARC Force helps maintain a stable arc and prevents the electrode from sticking to the metal.
How it works
During shielded metal arc welding (SMAW or MMA):
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When the electrode gets too close to the workpiece, the arc shortens.
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This would normally cause the arc to go out or the electrode to stick.
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The ARC Force kicks in and automatically increases the current for a moment , pushing the arc to keep it stable.
In practice:
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More ARC Force: more aggressive arc, greater penetration and less risk of electrode sticking (useful for difficult electrodes or vertical positions).
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Less ARC Force: smoother and more stable arc, better bead appearance (ideal for fine welds or thin materials).
In summary, ARC Force allows you to adjust how "strong" or "soft" the electric arc behaves , helping you adapt to different types of electrodes, positions, or metal thicknesses.