The heat balance in consumable electrode processes differs from that in tungsten arcs. Thus, a
greater amount of heat is generated at the cathode rather than the anode.
When using the gas metal arc process, direct current electrode positive is the polarity of choice as it
leads to greater heat generation at the workpiece (cathode) and therefore greater penetration.
Conversely, DCEN polarity produces more heat at the electrode (cathode), and therefore increases the
electrode melt-off rate and reduces penetration.