what is polarity in welding

Welding polarity refers to the positive or negative pole in an electrical circuit created when a welding machine is turned on. It is a critical factor that determines the quality and strength of a weld. There are three main types of polarity in welding: direct current straight polarity, direct current reverse polarity, and alternating current polarity. The choice of polarity affects the welding process, including penetration, spattering, and the control of the welding arc. Using the wrong polarity can lead to various problems, such as ineffective penetration and loss of control of the welding arc