August 3, 2022
Polarity is an important factor when welding, impacting both the strength and quality of the weld. AC and DC welding determine that polarity. Because these acronyms tend to cause confusion, we've answered a few common questions about AC/DC drives below:
What do AC and DC stand for?
Knowing the acronyms is essential to understanding what sets AC and DC welding apart. AC is short for alternating current, although the A in this acronym is also sometimes used to represent the concept of adjustability. As such, AC drives are sometimes referred to as adjustable frequency or adjustable speed drives. These drives convert AC supplies to DC before inverting back to the AC.
DC stands for direct current. The DC drive is responsible for converting the alternating current into a direct current, which then runs DC motors.
Which type of drive is better?
There's no easy answer to this question, as a lot depends on the user's priorities. Those who desire energy-efficient solutions typically prefer AC drives, which are often more cost-effective. DC drives may be preferable when applications require constant speed. Those who prefer DC drives also commonly claim that they are quieter than their AC counterparts.
If you'd like to learn more about AC/DC drives or otherwise make the most of our expertise at Rochester Industrial Services, you're in luck: we're happy to help! Contact us today to learn more about the many repair services we currently offer.