What do the terms "constant current" and "constant voltage" mean?

Constant Current and Constant Voltage are welder specifications / welding equipment specifications which define a critical characteristic of the welding current produced by a given welding system and the method used by the manufacturer to regulate that current.

With Constant Current welding, power regulation the manufacturer of the equipment allows the voltage produced by the welding power generating equipment to vary within set limits so that the current (amperage) supplied to the welding arc is unvarying. The ZENA welding system produces a constant current welding current.

In a Constant Voltage welder, the manufacturer of the equipment allows the current (amperage) produced by the welding power generating equipment to vary to whatever extent is necessary so that the voltage supplied to the welding arc is unvarying. Typically constant voltage welders are lower cost MIG units and in this type of machine, the manufacturer takes advantage of the constant voltage current to use it not only for welding but for powering the motor which pulls or pushes the electrode wire to/through the torch. Constant voltage is not typically used for stick or TIG welding.

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