Abstract: Metal deposition rate is increased with reduced energy input in pulsed arc welding with a consumable electrode and a shielding gas mixture of argon, helium and carbon dioxide, the helium content being in the range from about 16% to about 25% and the carbon dioxide content being from about 1% to 4%. The component gases are stored in separate containers until the welding operation during which precisely metered flows of each are entrained by a metering valve and directed to the weld region. Consistently finished welds are produced, on stainless steel, low alloy steels and nickel based alloys as well as other weldable ferrous metals, including during out of position welding operations.