What is Straight Polarity in Welding?

Straight Polarity is a welding condition when the electrode is connected to the negative terminal and the work is connected to the positive terminal of the welding power source.

This is also called Reverse Polarity or DCEN (Direct Current Electrode Negative). The arc tends to be more stable with this polarity, but penetration is less than with reverse polarity. This is because the positively charged work repels the electrons coming from the electrode, making it difficult for them to reach the base metal. Consequently, less heat is generated by this process, resulting in shallower penetration. However, the shallower penetration can be an advantage when welding thin materials that are prone to distortion from too much heat.

Straight polarity is most commonly used for welding mild steel and stainless steel. It is also used for welding aluminum when the electrode has a coating that provides a more stable arc, such as an E7018 electrode.

What is the difference between straight polarity and reverse polarity?

The main difference between straight polarity and reverse polarity is that straight polarity produces a more stable arc but with less penetration, while reverse polarity produces a less stable arc but with more penetration. In contrast, the negatively charged work attracts the electrons in reverse polarity, allowing them to reach the base metal more easily and generate more heat and thus deeper penetration.

Which is better for welding mild steel: straight polarity or reverse polarity?

Straight polarity is generally better for welding mild steel because it produces a more stable arc. However, reverse polarity may be necessary when welding thicker pieces of mild steel to ensure adequate penetration.

What is the difference between straight polarity and AC?

The main difference between straight polarity and AC is that straight polarity is a DC current while AC is an alternating current. This means that the electrode will always be positive or negative in straight polarity, while it will alternate between positive and negative in AC. As a result, straight polarity tends to produce a more stable arc but with less penetration, while AC can produce either a stable or unstable arc depending on the settings used but with more consistent penetration.

What are the 3 types of polarity?

The three types of polarity are:

Straight.
Reverse.
AC.

Why straight polarity is used in TIG welding?

Straight polarity is used in TIG welding because it produces a more stable arc. This is important for TIG welding because a stable arc is necessary to maintain the precise control needed to produce a quality weld. Additionally, straight polarity generates less heat than reverse polarity, making it ideal for welding thin materials without causing too much distortion.

What are the benefits of using reverse polarity?

The main benefit of using reverse polarity is that it produces a more penetrating arc than straight polarity. This makes it better suited for welding thicker pieces of metal, as it results in less distortion and a stronger weld. Additionally, reverse polarity can be used when welding with coated electrodes to provide greater stability and prevent the electrode from melting.

What are the disadvantages of using reverse polarity?

The main disadvantage of using reverse polarity is that it produces a less stable arc than straight polarity. This can make it more difficult to control the weld and produce a quality result. Additionally, reverse polarity generates more heat than straight polarity, which can be a problem when welding thin materials or materials that are sensitive to heat.