Which component holds the majority of the heat during welding when using straight polarity?

In the context of shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), when using straight polarity, the majority of the heat is generated at the workpiece, which is connected to the positive pole. This type of polarity is characterized by the following: in straight polarity, the electrode is the negative terminal and the workpiece is the positive terminal.

Because of this configuration, a significant portion of the arc energy is transferred to the workpiece. This results in higher heat concentration at the workpiece, which is essential for effectively melting the base metal and ensuring proper fusion between the electrode and the workpiece.

While the electrode does participate in the welding process and is influenced by the heat generated, it typically loses more of its heat through the melting process, contributing to the fill rather than retaining heat. The dynamic of heat distribution in straight polarity is vital for fine-tuning welding techniques and achieving desired outcomes in metal joining tasks.