MWS Glossary   A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z   --A--   AC - See Also: Alternating Current (AC)   Air Carbon Arc Cutting (CAC-A) - A cutting process by which metals are melted by the heat of an arc using a carbon electrode. Molten metal is forced away from the cut by a blast of forced air. To remove large amounts of metal, look for a welder that can use carbons of at least 3/8 in diameter. Consumables: carbon electrodes, compressed air supply.   AISI - American Iron and Steel Institute   Alternating Current (AC) - An electrical current that reverses its direction at regular intervals, such as 60 cycles alternating current (AC), or 60 hertz.   Amperage - The measurement of the amount of electricity flowing past a given point in a conductor per second. Current is another name for amperage.   AMS - Aerospace Material Specification (of SAE)   ANSI - American National Standards Institute   API - American Petroleum Institute   Arc - The physical gap between the end of the electrode and the base metal. The physical gap causes heat due to resistance of current flow and arc rays.   Arc Force - Also called Dig and Arc Control. Gives a power source variable additional amperage during low voltage (short arc length) conditions while welding. Helps avoid "sticking" stick electrodes when a short arc length is used.   AREA - American Railway Engineering Association   ASME - American Society of Mechanical Engineers   ASTM - American Society for Testing Materials   Auto-Link® - Miller Electric internal inverter power source circuit that automatically links the power source to the primary voltage being applied, without the need for manually linking primary voltage terminals.   Automatic Welding - Uses equipment which welds without the constant adjusting of controls by the welder or operator. Equipment controls joint alignment by using an automatic sensing device.   Return to top