With more productive processes such as MIG/MAG welding taking over the welding industry, the role of stick welding (MMA) has become smaller in recent decades. Partly as a result of this diminishing role and the simplicity of the process, the optimization of stick welding does not receive much attention. However, modern stick welding machines have a variety of settings for influencing the behavior of the arc.
The electrode type, particularly the coating on the electrode, significantly affects the arc ignition characteristics and the material transfer to the weld pool. Optimizing welding machine settings for these issues can improve weld quality or at least makes it easier to achieve the desired result.