A qualitative model to explain the polarity influence on the fusion rate in the MIG/MAG process

One of the main advantages of the MIG/MAG process is its high productivity. In most of the applications, positive polarity is used, due to its greater arc stability, generation of less splatter and formation of weld beads with suitable geometry. However, in some applications, there is a need for greater production capacity than that offered by conventional MIG/MAG welding. In the literature, it is stated that negative polarity provides a higher fusion rate than positive, despite leading to a high level of splatter and unsuitable formation of the weld bead. Unfortunately, there is not much information available on the effects of the process variables in this polarity, much less justification for such. Therefore, this work is an attempt to try to understand the reason why there is a higher deposit rate in negative polarity, as well as the related effect on the geometry of the weld beads. To do this, comparative MIG/MAG welds were produced in both positive and negative polarities, using two compositions of shielding gases at two current values. The transfer mode and the behaviour of the arc were analysed by synchronized profiling. The geometric profile of the weld bead was evaluated by means of metallographic procedures. From the results, which disagree in part with the current literature, it was seen that both the transfer mode as well as the morphology and the appearance of the weld bead are dependent on the composition of the shielding gas. To explain the phenomena inherent in the greater fusion rate of wire in DC-, the suggestion is that the fact that arc scales the sides of the wire in this polarity may be the governing factor. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.