What percentage of heat is on the workpiece when the power source is set to DCEN?

When the power source for Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW) is set to Direct Current Electrode Negative (DCEN), approximately 30% of the heat generated is present in the workpiece. This occurs because the majority of the heat, roughly 70%, is concentrated in the tungsten electrode itself. This configuration allows for better control of the welding process, particularly for thin materials, but it also means that less heat is directly applied to the workpiece. Understanding this distribution of heat is crucial for welders, as it influences parameters like travel speed, arc length, and overall penetration. Controlling heat input is essential to prevent issues such as warping or burn-through in the materials being welded. This understanding is vital for effective and efficient welding operations, especially when working with various types of metals and thicknesses.