Which polarity is typically used for Submerged Arc Welding (SAW)?

Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) typically uses Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP) polarity. This is important because DCEP provides a stronger arc and better heat input into the workpiece compared to other polarities. This is crucial in SAW as it aids in melting the filler material effectively and improving penetration into the base metal.

The positive polarity ensures that a larger amount of heat is generated at the workpiece, which is beneficial for applications requiring high penetration and rapid melting of the materials. The arc stability achieved with DCEP leads to a smooth, high-quality weld. Additionally, since SAW is a high-productivity process used for welding thick sections of steel, the efficient heat transfer associated with DCEP is advantageous.

In contrast, other polarities such as alternating current (AC) or direct current electrode negative (DCEN) do not offer the same benefits for this specific welding process, especially when it comes to heating efficiency and penetration, which are critical in submerged arc welding applications.