7/21/2014 Lesson 2 - Common Electric Arc Welding Processes

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LESSON II
2.3.2.2
Direct current electrode negative (DCEN) is produced when the electrode is
connected to the negative terminal of the power source. Since the electrons f low f rom the
electrode to the plate, approximately 70% of the heat of the arc is concentrated at the work,
and approximately 30% at the electrode end. This allows the use of smaller tungsten elec-
trodes that produce a relatively narrow concentrated arc. The weld shape has deep penetra-
tion and is quite narrow. See Figure 8. Direct current electrode negative is suitable f or weld-
ing most metals. Magnesium and aluminum have a ref ractory oxide coating on the surf ace that
must be physically removed immediately prior to welding if DCSP is to be used.
2.3.2.3
Direct current electrode positive (DCEP) is produced when the electrode is
connected to the positive terminal of the welding power source. In this condition, the electrons
f low f rom the work to the electrode tip, concentrating approximately 70% of the heat of the arc
at the electrode and 30% at the work. This higher heat at the electrode necessitates using
larger diameter tungsten to prevent it f rom melting and contaminating the weld metal. Since
the electrode diameter is larger and the heat is less concentrated at the work, the resultant
weld bead is relatively wide and shallow. See Figure 8.
2.3.2.4 Aluminum and magnesium are two metals that have a heavy oxide coating that acts
as an insulator and must be removed bef ore successf ul welding can take place. Welding with
electrode positive provides a good oxide cleaning action in the arc. If we were to study the
physics of the welding arc, we f ind that the electric current causes the shielding gas atoms to
lose some of their electrons. Since electrons are negatively charged, these gas atoms now
are unbalanced and have an excessive positive charge. As we learned in Lesson I, unlike
charges attract. These positively charged atoms (or positive ions as they are known in
FIGURE 8
Electrode Oxide Heat
Polarity Penetration Cleaning Concentration
Direct Current
Alternating Current
Medium Penetration
Medium Width
Bead
Good
Cleans Oxide
on Each Half
Cy cle
Alternates Between
Electrode and Work
Straight Polarity
Electrode Negativ e
Deep
Penetration
Narrow
Bead
Direct Current
Rev erse Polarity
Electrode Positiv e
Shallow Penetration
Wide Bead
Maximum
None
At
Work
At
Electrode
GAS IONS
+
_
ELECTRON
FLOW
_
_
+
+
EFFECTS OF CURRENT TYPE - GAS TUNGSTEN ARC WELDING
Lesson 1
The Basics of Arc
Welding
Current
Chapter
Table of
Contents
Lesson 2
Common Electric
Arc Welding
Processes
Lesson 3
Covered Electrodes
for Welding
Mild Steels
Lesson 4
Covered Electrodes
for Welding Low Alloy
Steels
Go To Test
Lesson 5
Welding Filler Metals
for Stainless Steels
Print
Lesson 6
Carbon & Low Alloy
Steel Filler Metals -
GMAW,GTAW,SAW
Glossary
Lesson 7
Flux Cored Arc
Electrodes Carbon
Low Alloy Steels
Search
Chapter
(Faster
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Lesson 8
Hardsurfacing
Electrodes
Turn Pages
Lesson 9
Estimating &
Comparing Weld
Metal Costs
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Document
(Slower
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Lesson 10
Reliability of Welding
Filler Metals