Direct Current Electrode Negative
DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRODE negative (DCEN) was once considered unsuitable for welding aluminum because of the absence of any arc cleaning action. Currently this process, using 100% helium and thoriated tungsten electrodes, has proven advantageous for many automatic welding operations, especially in the welding of heavy sections. Since there is less tendency to heat the electrode, small electrodes can be used for a given welding current. This contributes to keeping the weld bead narrow. The use of DCEN provides a greater heat input rate than can be obtained with alternating current.
Greater heat density is developed in the weld pool, which results in a weld that is deeper and narrower. The greater heat input produces rapid melting of the base metal and excellent penetration. It is not necessary to preheat thick sections before welding. Edge preparation can be eliminated and the groove reduced in size so that less filler metal is required. The heating rate is rapid with DCEN; the weld pool is formed immediately resulting in less distortion of the base metal.
The surface appearance of DCEN welds differs from that of alternating current welds, and welders accustomed to alternating current expect to see clean, bright metal on the weld surface during welding. Using DCEN, the welded surface is dulled by an oxide film that is easily removed by light wire brushing. The surface oxide does not indicate lack of fusion, porosity, or inclusions in the weld. There is no arc cleaning action using DCEN and thorough preweld cleaning of the base
metal is necessary. This normally involves degreasing, chemical cleaning, wire brushing, plus scraping or filing of the joint area. GTAW with DCEN has distinct advantages compared to ac power, particularly with machine welding where a consistent, short arc length can be easily maintained. The deep penetration possible with helium shielding is particularly useful for welding thick sections. With thin sections, DCEN permits much higher travel speed than ac.Argon shielding may be used with DCEN, but penetration will be less than with helium. Arc length control will not be so critical, and may be beneficial, when manually welding thin sections.