The analyzes of the pulse-arc welding process influence on the macro characteristics of the melting process of high-chromium powder wires type 55X18 with a diameter of1.2 and 1.4 mm is carried out in this work. It is established that at a modified pulse combination during the drop relief period and the flux-cored wire with a diameter of 1.2 mm, the waste of metal and spattering is 1.5 times lower, and the deposition coefficient is1.5 times and the productivity is 1.6 times higher than for welding with natural short circuits. Oscillography of the arc current and voltage showed that in the pulsed mode, along with small-drop transfer, periodic formation of larger drops occurs. An explanation on the basis of the difference in the thermophysical properties of the core and the flux-cored wire shell, as well as the reduction in heat input during impulse welding in comparison with welding without impulse is proposed.