What is the ratio of heat directed to the workpiece in DC electrode negative mode?

In DC electrode negative mode, the majority of the heat generated during the welding process is directed towards the workpiece rather than the tungsten electrode. Specifically, this mode produces approximately a 70% heat contribution to the workpiece and 30% to the tungsten.

This distribution of heat is crucial because it affects the efficiency of the welding process and the penetration of the weld. The large amount of heat directed to the workpiece allows for deeper penetration of the weld bead, which is desirable for many applications where strong bonding is required. The relatively smaller portion of heat directed to the tungsten electrode helps to reduce the wear on the electrode, extending its usable life.

This characteristic makes DC electrode negative ideal for welding thicker materials and for applications where robust joint integrity is essential. The heat ratio directly impacts not only the effectiveness of the welding operation but also the quality of the weld, making it an important consideration in GTAW operations.