Abstract: The gas metal arc welding process of the present invention extends the axial spray metal transfer range with a non rotating arc from 10 to 25 lbs/hr using an electrode wire diameter between 0.035 to 0.052 inches. The process is carried out by maintaining an electrode extension of between 3/4 to 11/4 inches with a three component shielding gas mixture consisting essentially of argon and oxygen in combination with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide in a volume proportion of oxygen 1-2% carbon dioxide 8-15%, balance argon. The arc voltage is maintained in a range of between 29 and 40 volts.

Abstract: A combination of welding wire and welding flux for submerged arc welding of high strength low alloy pipe which require low temperature impact properties of at least 30 ft./lb. at -13.degree. F. The wire consists essentially of 2.0 to 3.5 wt. % manganese; 0.01 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % silicon; 0.05 to 0.15 wt. % carbon; balance iron with the proviso that when manganese is greater than 2.5 up to 3.5 wt. % the silicon content is between 0.01 wt. % to 1.5 wt. % and when the manganese content is between 2.0 to 2.5 wt. % the silicon content is greater than 0.3 wt. % up to 1.5 wt. %. The flux used with these wires is preferably acidic in nature.