What is "duty cycle" in welding?

The concept of "duty cycle" in welding refers specifically to the duration for which a welder can operate continuously without overheating. This is typically expressed as a percentage of a 10-minute period. For example, if a welder has a duty cycle of 60%, it means that the welder can operate for 6 minutes at a given output without overheating, followed by 4 minutes of rest to allow for cooling.

Understanding duty cycle is crucial for operators because exceeding this limit can lead to overheating and potential damage to the welding equipment. This concept helps in planning the welding processes effectively, allowing welders to maintain their equipment while achieving the necessary productivity and quality in their work.

The other options are not aligned with the technical definition of duty cycle. The total time required to complete a weld is irrelevant to this specific term, as it doesn't encompass the operational limits of the machine. The percentage of a month spent on welding tasks is not related to the continuous operation of welding equipment, and the number of welds made in an hour does not account for the operational limits regarding heat and equipment safety.