Abstract: A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, including a neck portion (4), a diffuser (6) at a first end (8) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip (10) which extends from the diffuser (6), and connector means (12) which is at a second end (14) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly; the neck portion (4) including an electrical conductor (16) and a longitudinally extending passageway (18); electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor (16) to the contact tip (10) being effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas (22, 24) on the contact tip (10); and the welding torch (2) including a gas chamber (30) which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas (22, 24) and radially between the contact tip (10) and the diffuser (6).

Abstract: A welding torch (2) for use in gas metal arc welding, comprising a neck portion (4), a diffuser (6) at a first end (8) of the neck portion (4), a contact tip (10) which extends from the diffuser (6), and connector means (12) which is at a second end (14) of the neck portion (4) and which is for connecting the neck portion (4) to a power cable assembly; the neck portion (4) comprising an electrical conductor (16) and a longitudinally extending passageway (18); electrical current transfer from the electrical conductor (16) to the contact tip (10) being effected using first and second longitudinally separated contact areas (22, 24) on the contact tip (10); and the welding torch (2) including a gas chamber (30) which is positioned longitudinally between the two contact areas (22, 24) and radially between the contact tip (10) and the diffuser (6).