TRAVEL SPEED The travel speed is the rate at which the torch is moved across the weld area. Factors such as diameter and type of weld wire, amperage, position, and work piece material thickness all affect the speed of travel necessary for completing a good weld (See Fig. 10). When the speed is too fast, the bead is narrow and bead ripples are pointed as shown. When the speed is too slow, the weld metal piles up and the bead is high and wide. For aluminum, travel speed is typically faster. SLAG R