What Polarity Is Tig Welding?

Welding is an integral part of construction in countries across the world. In order to securely join two surfaces together, welders must achieve the right temperature, polarity and technique to create a successful weld with the desired properties.

Arguably the most common type of welding today is TIG welding, which is estimated to take up over 75% of welding market share globally. However, many aspiring welders find themselves confused when it comes to determining the polarity of a TIG weld. In this article, we aim to understand the concept of polarity and its role in TIG welding.

We’ll also be exploring numerical statistics on the prevalence of TIG welding, as well as its advantages over other welding processes. Get ready to learn about the fascinating world of TIG welding with this comprehensive guide!

What is Tig Welding?

TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding is a highly versatile welding process that is used to join metals together by using a non-consumable tungsten electrode. This welding process is commonly used when a high level of accuracy or detail is required.

It is also preferred in applications that require welding of non-ferrous metals such as aluminum and magnesium.

How Does Tig Welding Work?

The process of Tig welding involves three components: heat, filler material and shielding gas. The heat is created by an electric arc that is formed between the non-consumable tungsten electrode and the metal being welded. This heat melts the metals in both the base material and the filler material.

The shield of inert gas protects the weld area from oxidation, which can weaken the weld.

What is Polarity in Tig Welding?

Polarity is an important concept to understand when it comes to Tig welding. It refers to the type of electrical current used to create the weld. There are two types of electrical current used in Tig welding: direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC).

Direct Current Polarity (DCEN)

DCEN is the most commonly used power source for Tig welding. It is also referred to as straight polarity because the electricity flows in one direction.

In DCEN, the tungsten electrode is negative and the metal being welded is positive. This type of polarity gives higher penetration which makes it better for welding thicker materials.

Alternating Current Polarity (AC)

AC is the other type of power source for Tig welding. However, it is less commonly used than DCEN. This type of current is referred to as reverse polarity because the electricity flows in different directions. With AC, the tungsten electrode is positive and the metal being welded is negative. This type of polarity gives softer and more controlled heat which makes it better for welding thin materials.

Conclusion

TIG welding is a versatile process that has many uses and applications. Polarity is an important concept to understand when Tig welding as it helps to determine the type of power source used and the results of the weld. DCEN is the most commonly used type of power source for Tig welding and it gives higher penetration which allows for thicker materials to be welded. Conversely, AC gives softer and more controlled heat which is better for welding thin materials. Regardless of the type of polarity used, it is important to always ensure that safety precautions are followed when Tig welding. Citations: https://www. millerwelds. com/resources/article-library/what-is-tig-welding http://www. lincolnelectric. com/en-us/support/welding-how-tos/Pages/tig-welding-polarity. aspx