That is the rate at which weld metal is laid down. Stick Electrode typically deposits at a rate of 3 to 4 lbs per hour. Submerged Arc is typically 8 to 15Lbs per hour. Open Arc cored wires vary from 15 to 25 lbs per hour. Much depends upon the diameter of the wire and the current being used.
Higher currents produce higher deposition rates.
Larger diameter wires allow higher amperages and therefore higher deposition rates. However if one is restricted to operating at 375 amps for example, for any one of various reasons, going to a larger diameter wire will only reduce the deposition rate. In this case going down in wire diameter will increase the deposition rate. There are a number of other factors involved including wire chemistry, slag characteristics, tubular wire configuration, and electrical stickout. I will keep you informed of the time in a subsequent Newsletter.