Direct current electrode negative (DCEN) is produced when the electrode isconnected to the negative terminal of the

power source. Since the electrons flow from theelectrode 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 for weld-ing most metals. Magnesium and aluminum have a refractory oxide
coating on the surface thatmust be physically removed immediately prior to welding if DCSP is to be
used.2.3.2.3Direct current electrode positive (DCEP) is produced when the electrode isconnected to the positive terminal
of the welding power source. In this condition, the electronsflow from the work to the electrode tip, concentrating
approximately 70% of the heat of the arcat the electrode and 30% at the work. This higher heat at the electrode
necessitates usinglarger diameter tungsten to prevent it from melting and contaminating the weld metal. Sincethe electrode
diameter is larger and the heat is less concentrated at the work, the resultantweld bead is relatively wide and shallow.

Shielding gas protection

Shielding gases for MIG/GMAW welding
The basic gas for MIG/MAG welding is argon (Ar). Helium (He) can be added
to increase penetration and fluidity of the weld pool. Argon or argon/helium
mixtures can be used for welding all grades. However, small additions of
oxygen (O2) or carbon dioxide (CO2) are usually needed to stabilize the arc,
improve the fluidity and also improve the quality of the weld deposit. For
stainless steels there are also gases available containing small amounts of
hydrogen (H2).
The table indicates the appropriate choice of shielding gas for MIG/MAG
welding, taking account of different types of stainless steel and arc types.

Parent metal (type of material)

Austenitic Duplex Super-duplex Ferritic High-alloy

stainless stainless stainless stainless austenitic
steel steel steel steel stainless steel
Ar - - a - a
Ar + He - - a - a
Ar + (1-2)% O2 b b () b c
Ar + (1-2)% CO2 d e e () e c
Ar + 30% He + (1-2)% O2 f f f f c
Ar + 30% He + (1-2)% CO2d f f f f c
Ar + 30% He + (1-2)% N2 - - - g
a) Preferably in pulsed MIG welding.

b) Higher fluidity of the molten pool than with CO 2 addition.

c) Except for Sandvik 22.12.HT and Sandvik 27.31.4.LCu where Ar is preferred.

d) Not to be used in spray-arc welding where extra low carbon is required.

e) Better short-arc welding and positional welding properties than with Ar + (1-2)% O 2.
f) Higher fluidity of the molten pool than with Ar. Better short-arc welding properties than
with Ar + (1-2)% CO2.
g) For nitrogen-alloyed grades.

Shielding gases for TIG/GTAW welding

The normal gas for TIG welding is argon (Ar). Helium (He) can be added to
increase penetration and fluidity of the weld pool. Argon or argon/helium
mixtures can be used for welding all grades. In some cases nitrogen (N2)
and/or hydrogen (H2) can be added in order to achieve special properties. For
instance, the addition of hydrogen gives a similar, but much stronger effect as
adding helium. However, hydrogen additions should not be used for welding
martensitic, ferritic or duplex grades.
Alternatively, if nitrogen is added, the weld deposit properties of nitrogen
alloyed grades can be improved. Oxidizing additions are not used because
these destroy the tungsten electrode.

Recommendations for shielding gases used in TIG welding of different

stainless steels are given in the table. For plasma-arc welding, the gas types
with hydrogen additions in the table are mostly used as plasma gas, and pure
argon as shielding gas.
 Parent metal (type of material)

Austenitic Duplex Super- Ferritic High-alloy austenitic N

stainless stainless duplex stainless stainless steel al
steel steel stainless steel
steel
Ar
Ar + Hea
Ar + (2-5)% H2a,b b - - - b
Ar + (1-2)% N2 - - -
Ar + 30% He + (1- - - -
2)% N2
a) Improves flow compared with pure Ar.

b) Preferably for automatic welding. High welding speed. Risk of porosity in multi-run
welds.

Root protection
A perfect welding result, without impairment of corrosion resistance and
mechanical properties, can only be obtained when using a backing gas with
very low oxygen content. For best results, a maximum of 20 ppm O2 at the root
side can be tolerated.