5 Major Differences Between Ac vs Dc Welding – New 2021

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Arc welding involves the use of a power supply to create an electric arc between an electrode and the material intended to be welded to melt the metals at the welding point.

Any ac vs dc welder will have to understand that the power supply can use either direct (DC) or alternating (AC) current.

The type of current used can sometimes cause problems in welding. But what is the difference between ac and dc welding? In this article we'll reveal all.

Ac vs Dc Welder - Facts 

Any electrical current is either a direct current (DC) or an alternating current (AC). If you want to find out more information on ac vs dc flux core welding then continue reading.

AC DC are terms that refer to the polarity of the electrical current that the welding machine creates and runs through the electrode.

Direct Current (DC) is electricity flowing in a constant direction and/or possessing a voltage with constant polarity, either positive or negative. Typical DC units include batteries and often used in low voltage devices such as cell phones and remote controls.

In welding, electrode negative (DC) or straight current provides faster deposition rates because there is quicker melt-off of the electrode. Electrode positive (DC) results in deeper penetration.

using DC for welding

Alternating current (AC) is electricity that switches direction back and forth so the voltage also periodically reverses because the current changes direction.

Typical AC are what you would expect to see from your electrical outlets in your home and often used in higher voltage devices such as household appliances.

AC changes its polarity 120 times per second with a 60-hertz current. Reversed polarity (AC) results in deeper penetration.

In AC)welding, since the current and the magnetic field of the arc reverse direction many times a second, there is no net deflection of the arc.

5 Major Difference Between ac vs dc welding

Here are the main differences between ac and dc welding:

1. Size

- AC Weld Machinery is smaller then a DC welding machines

2. Weight 

- AC Weld Machinery is lighter then most DC welding machines

3. Arc blow

- AC Weld Machinery is relatively easy to use while the DC welding is more difficult to handle  

4. Voltage

- AC Weld Machinery has a lower drop in voltage meaning it can be used further away, while the voltage drop on a DC machine is higher, so should be used at a closer distance 

5. Price 

- AC Weld Machinery is usually not very expensive, whereas the DC welding machine can be pricey. 

Applications of AC Welding

AC welding can be used to weld two or more magnetic metals.

This cannot be done with DC welding. AC welding is ideal for the following types of welds:

  • Downhand heavy plate
  • Fast fill
  • Aluminum TIG welding with high frequency use AC

The primary advantage of using AC welding, is that it allows the ac welders to weld on magnetized materials.

In AC, the current changes direction and is not affected by magnetism. The arc remains stable and is easier to control.

AC welding is also the preferred method for:

  • TIG welding aluminum, because the current supports welding at a higher temperature.
  • Making repairs on machinery because the machinery usually has a magnetized field and is older and may have rusty areas where there is concern about the higher heat penetration that can occur with DC welding.
  • Seam welding in shipbuilding because the current settings can often be higher than those used in DC welding and a deeper penetration of plate metals can be obtained.

The two biggest drawbacks to using AC welding is the quality of the weld. It is not as smooth as DC welding because of the continuous change in directional flow and there is likely to be more spatter.

Applications of DC Welding

Welding with DC is best used for:

As a rule of thumb, DC is preferred for welding because:

  • It produces a smoother weld and there is less spatter because of the constant linear direction of the current.
  • It maintains a constant and stable arc and is thus is easier to handle and more reliable than AC current.
  • Machinery that uses DC is generally cheaper and easier to use.
  • It welds thinner metals better than AC.

The primary drawbacks to using of DC welding are:

  • There’s greater potential for arc blow.
  • DC are not supplied by electrical grids, so they need an internal transformer to change the current from AC to C for use. That makes this method more expensive to use.
  • It’s not good for use in welding aluminum because it cannot produce the high-intensity heat necessary.

Arc Blow Issues - Ac Versus Dc Welding 

arc blow issues

In welding, there can be a lot of reasons for a weld failure. One of the most frustrating is magnetic arc blow.

This occurs when a magnetic field is present in the area where the weld is being prepared to join two metal components.

The quality of the weld can be affected by magnetic disturbance due to the interaction of the magnetic field of the welding current with the residual magnetic field present in the metal.

The disturbance causes the welding arc to deflect away from the weld path and behave erratically.

The welding operator must fight arc blow by trying to keep the electrical current stable and the work usually suffers in quality. Arc blow occurs only in DC welding. An effective fix for the problem is to switch from DC to AC.

Overall Strength of Welds

Overall the strength of the weld can be determined by many factors, such as:

  • Proper electrode, welding apparatus and procedures;
  • Properties of the materials being welded-magnetic vs. non-magnetic;
  • Proper edge preparation-the cleaner the edge, the better the weld;
  • Current settings - DC vs. AC;
  • Speed of travel - the angle of the electrode needs to be maintained throughout the length of the joint as it is being welded.

A strong weld can be achieved in both AC welding and DC welding (ac dc) so long as you weld with the current and polarity appropriate for the material being welded.

It’s a matter of choosing the right one for your job.

Explainer Video

Conclusion

That's the end of the ac dc debate. Hopefully you have all the information you need in the in the ac welding vs dc welding debate.

In order to achieve proper penetration, uniform beading and good welding results the correct current and polarity must be used when welding with any given metallic electrode.

Using incorrect current and polarity results in poor penetration, irregular bead shapes, excessive splatter, overheating, lack of arc control and quick burning of the electrode.

Be sure to research your materials and conditions so you can choose Ac welding vs Dc welding for the task at hand!

FAQs

1. Is AC or DC better for welding?

In the majority of welding applications, direct current polarity is used. In comparison to AC, it produces a more consistent welding output. It produces a more stable arc, makes welding easier, and produces less spatter. Additionally, you can use either DC negative or DC positive to achieve faster deposition rates when welding thin sheet metal or DC positive to achieve greater penetration into the steel.

2. What is the difference between AC welding and DC welding?

What are the primary distinctions between alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) welding? The distinction is in the polarity. DC welding utilizes a direct current with a single polarity, whereas AC welding rapidly alternates between DC negative and DC positive polarity. Each material has a unique set of applications.

3. Is MIG welding DC or AC?

The majority of MIGs are DC. There should be a set of terminals for establishing the polarity of the gas/gasless system. Torch is gas positive. Some of the truly affordable gas-free models are AC.

4. Is AC welding dangerous?

While an arc welder is extremely safe when installed and used properly, it can expose the operator to a variety of hazards, including toxic fumes, dusts, burns, fires, explosions, electric shock, radiation, noise, and heat stress. Any of these dangers can result in serious injury or death.

5. Which material is suitable for AC welding?

AC welding is also widely used in shipbuilding, particularly for seam welds, because it allows for a higher current setting than DC welding allows. When switched to positive alternating current, it also aids in the removal of oxide from the metal surface, making it suitable for welding aluminum.

About the Author Gregory

Hi, my name is Gregory! I have been welding practically all of my life and love it. As I have gotten older I have started to weld less and less, so in order to continue my love for welding I created this website. I like to write about my experiences and help you all become welders. I hope that you enjoy the site!

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