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In GTAW, polarity changes how arc energy is split between the workpiece and the electrode. When using DCEN (electrode negative), the arc concentrates heat into the workpiece rather than the electrode. The practical takeaway is that about 70% of the heat input goes to the workpiece, with roughly 30% going into the electrode/tungsten. This is why DCEN is often preferred when you want more heat delivered to the joint and less to the electrode, whereas the opposite polarity would shift more heat toward the electrode.