In this study, the bead-on-plate welding were conducted by using GMA welding and plasma-GMA welding on Al 5052 and, Al 6061 plates. For these processes, the maximum welding speeds for full penetration were compared, and various weld qualities such as bead appearance, cross-section, cracks and porosities were examined. Faster welding speed, cleaner bead surface and more stable drop transfer could be achieved by plasma-GMA welding, compared with GMA welding.