What is the control used to initiate the current at a lower amperage than the set welding current called?

• A. Pre-purge
• B. Post-purge
• C. Down slope
• D. Up slope

Answer: (D)

Slope controls in the TIG power source manage how welding current changes at the start and end of a weld. Up slope gradually increases the current from a low starting value to the set welding current. This smooths the arc initiation, reduces the chance of tungsten sticking or spatter, and helps control heat input as you begin the weld. The other terms relate to gas flow timing (pre-purge and post-purge) or to ending the weld (down slope), which ramps the current down to zero to avoid a crater and too rapid cooling. Therefore, the control described is up slope.