GMAW polarity is typically?

GMAW polarity is typically?

• A. Reverse
• B. Straight
• C. Positive
• D. Negative

Answer: (A)

In gas metal arc welding, polarity means which electrode is connected to the positive terminal and which is connected to the negative terminal, and it changes how the heat is distributed in the arc. For most GMAW setups with a shielding gas and a solid wire, the electrode is connected to the positive terminal while the workpiece is negative. This reverse polarity tends to create a more stable arc and puts more heat into the weld pool, helping with penetration and deposition efficiency, especially in spray-transfer-type welding. Straight polarity (electrode negative) is used in some transfer modes or with specific wires, but it isn’t the typical default for standard GMAW practice.

In gas metal arc welding, polarity means which electrode is connected to the positive terminal and which is connected to the negative terminal, and it changes how the heat is distributed in the arc. For most GMAW setups with a shielding gas and a solid wire, the electrode is connected to the positive terminal while the workpiece is negative. This reverse polarity tends to create a more stable arc and puts more heat into the weld pool, helping with penetration and deposition efficiency, especially in spray-transfer-type welding. Straight polarity (electrode negative) is used in some transfer modes or with specific wires, but it isn’t the typical default for standard GMAW practice.