FCAW-SS is generally done with what polarity?

• A. Direct Current Electrode Positive (DCEP)
• B. Direct Current Electrode Negative (DC-)
• C. Alternating Current (AC)
• D. Direct Current, No Polarity

Answer: (B)

In flux-cored arc welding on stainless steel, the way you connect polarity changes where most of the heat goes and how the arc behaves. Using the electrode as negative (DCEN) is the typical choice. With DCEN, more heat is directed into the workpiece than into the filler wire, which helps achieve stable penetration and a well-formed bead for stainless steel while keeping the wire from overheating. The flux core provides shielding, and this polarity supports reliable slag formation and easy slag removal, which are important when welding stainless with a flux-cored wire.

If you were to use the opposite polarity (electrode positive), heat concentrates in the electrode, which can change the bead shape, may cause more spatter, and can affect penetration and dilution of the stainless deposit. Alternating current is not the standard for FCAW-SS in typical practice, and directly stating no polarity isn’t workable for this process.