The Difference Between AC Welding and DC Welding.

AC and DC Welding are forms of arc welding that use different currents to produce an electric arc. These types of welding involve the creation of an electric arc between an electrode and the metal being welded. The electric arc provides heat to fuse the metals together.

A power supply is used to generate the arc, which can either use an alternating current (AC) or a direct current (DC). The choice of power source (AC or DC) decides the polarity of the electrical current that runs through the electrode. The power source used also impacts the weld produced.

Selecting the correct electrode polarity impacts the strength and quality of your weld. Commonly known as ‘straight’ or ‘reverse,’ the two types of current flow are also called ‘electrode negative’ and ‘electrode positive.’  The DC polarity is constant while the AC polarity flows in one direction for half of the time and half of the time in the other, reverse, direction.

AC Welding

What is AC welding?

For most types of welding, AC is not the preferred polarity. Because the current fluctuates back and forth, the arc needs to restart itself with each rotation between the positive and negative poles. Sometimes the arc cannot restart itself and you have to manually restart it. This is sometimes a problem for the welder because it creates breaks in the weld, making it weaker. This is also a result of current fluctuations. Many types of welding produce spatter, but AC is worse. If you use this polarity, you will spend more time grinding off the spatter.

While there are many disadvantages to using AC welding, especially the messy welds it can produce, there are also many advantages. AC welding has many useful applications that make it easy to use and practical for repairs in an industrial setting. One of the biggest advantages of AC welding is its ability to be used on metals that have magnetic fields. Sometimes, the welding arc will deflect itself from the electrode, which usually follows the magnetic field current in the weld metal.

AC welding is very useful for those who do not have access to a 220 volt outlet. He makes AC welding a great way to weld at home, repair small appliances and car parts, and build anything that doesn't need to look "pretty".

DC Welding

What is DC welding?

DC welding is the way to go in situations where a smooth, beautiful weld is desired or needed because it has a smooth weld with minimal spatter and a stable, non-varying polarity. In general, there are fewer problems with DC welding than AC welding, but DC welding requires more skill and resources from the operator. Although DC welding is more expensive, it is the current of choice for many professional welders. If you are serious about welding, or if you want to use MIG or TIG, choose DC.

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