Abstract: High-speed photography images and current-voltage waveform of droplet transfer in cold arc and traditional short-circuit transfer welding processes of 5183 aluminum alloy were obtained by using high-speed camera system and current-voltage synchronous acquisition system, and the droplet transfer behavior was analyzed. By comparing the cold arc welding technology with the traditional short circuit welding technology, it is found that the cold arc welding technology can shorten the droplet transfer period effectively and reduce the droplet size by controlling the current in the arc burning stage.The repulsive force to droplet is reduced and the stability of droplet transfer is enhanced by waveform control in short circuit stage.At the same time, the cold arc welding technology reduces the peak current of short circuit and avoids the spatter at the end of short circuit. During cold arc welding at wire feeding speed of 8 m/min, instantaneous short circuit occurs in the arc burning stage, and sometimes spatter occurs at the moment when the droplet and the molten pool are separated.