Control method and system for metal arc welding

A method of controlling a welding process having a plurality of welding cycles, comprising:

• advancing a consumable electrode towards a workpiece;
• and
• dynamically regulating a rate of advancement and an instantaneous melt rate of said consumable electrode during each of said plurality of welding cycles in response to a predetermined event occurring during said welding process.

An arc welding system comprising:

• a power source, and
• a control unit and means for advancing a consumable electrode towards a workpiece during a welding process, said consumable electrode being energized by said power source to cause said consumable electrode to supply molten material to said workpiece, wherein said means for advancing is controlled by said control unit to dynamically regulate a rate of advancement of said consumable electrode in response to a predetermined event occurring during said welding process.