When setting the AC balance for cathodic cleaning, what must be increased?

In the context of GTAW (Gas Tungsten Arc Welding) and cathodic cleaning, setting the AC balance correctly is essential for ensuring effective cleaning of the metal surface. Cathodic cleaning utilizes a direct current (DC) component of an AC waveform to improve the surface condition before welding.

In this setup, increasing the time in the electrode positive side enhances the cleaning action of the process since a longer positive phase allows for greater oxidation or removal of impurities from the workpiece. During the positive half-cycle of the AC waveform, the tungsten electrode is connected to the positive terminal, which promotes the removal of contaminants like oxides and other surface impurities. This phase effectively allows the workpiece to be cleaned, leading to better-quality welds.

While other options may relate to different factors in GTAW settings, they do not directly impact the cathodic cleaning process in the same way that increasing the time on the electrode positive side does. By maximizing the time, the welder ensures thorough cleaning, promoting better adhesion and quality when the welding process begins after the cleaning phase.