Materials

How hot and fast: amp and speed tips for mild steel

Quick answer

Baseline (40 A/mm MIG rule) — then set travel speed by watching the pool, not the clock: a consistent-width bead with proper wetting at the toes is the target on mild steel.

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Starting numbers

Take the standard thickness-based amperage for steel and apply the material adjustment above. On mild steel, test coupons are not optional — set two or three parameter sets on scrap and pick the bead that wets in without undermining the edges.