How bead profile typically differs between short‑circuit and spray transfer modes in GMAW?

Study for the Gas Metal Arc Welding Exam, including GMAW, FCAW, and MCAW methods. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations for effective learning. Get ready for your welding certification!

Bead geometry in GMAW is shaped by how metal is transferred from the electrode to the workpiece. In short-circuit transfer, metal is deposited in small, frequent increments as the electrode touches and releases from the arc. This tends to produce a narrow bead with a rippled surface along the weld toe, and if deposition outpaces fusion at the toe, undercut can occur. In spray transfer, a high-current, high-pressure jet sends a fine stream of tiny droplets across the arc, giving a wider, smoother, and flatter bead with a more uniform surface.

So the characteristic description for short-circuit beads—narrow and rippled, with possible undercut—best captures how this transfer mode typically behaves. The other statements don’t align with how spray transfer usually looks (it’s not narrow and rippled) and general bead appearance isn’t described by color.