What is a common characteristic of an arc welding product?

A common characteristic of an arc welding product is the presence of a puddle of molten metal at the electrode tip. During the arc welding process, an electric arc is created between the electrode and the workpiece. This intense heat generated by the arc melts both the electrode and the metal being welded, creating a molten puddle that is essential for the welding process. The molten puddle allows for the fusion of metals as it solidifies, ensuring a strong bond between the workpieces.

This characteristic is crucial for effective welding since the quality of the weld often depends on the right control of the molten metal pool. Proper maintenance of this puddle allows for penetration into the base material, which enhances the strength of the weld joint. In contrast, the other options do not define primary characteristics of arc welding: low heat efficiency, high gas consumption, and no slag formation are not inherent to arc welding processes and can vary widely depending on specific procedures, materials, and equipment used.