Welding is a skill that required much more effort to choose and needs guidelines to which type of rod is compatible with the particular base metal.
There are different types of rods, and each is suitable for a specific type of welding. Below we brief the wide range of welding rod.
By reading this article, a person can fix the discussion of “what welding rod do I use." Please continue with us.
Material specific
Magnetic metals like Carbon steel or alloy steel could be non- magnetic alloys such as brass, copper, or aluminum.
The rod's tensile strength must match the tensile strength of the base material to prevent cracking. It is possible by using the first two digits of the AWS classification of the rod, for example, 60 AWS in E6011 and comparing it to the tensile strength of the material that would have 60,000 psi tensile strength welding is suitable.
Secondly, the Current we are using also affects the welding efficiency as AC or DC contributes or used depends on the sheets' cleanliness required for welding. For example, AC electrode E6013 is using for the welding of soft and clean sheets. Low hydrogen and good toughness of the rod are required to weld hard and thick materials to prevent cracking.
AWS classification numbers of 13, 16, or 18 at ends are helpful for welding thick materials. Thin rods are using to avoid damage to internal materials, and these rods produce a soft arc. In that case, the joints that are not open, electrodes that had more penetration and held the pieces together strictly like E6010 or E6011, should be used.
Positions of welding
There are different positions for welding such as vertical, flat, horizontal, and overhead according to these, and a suitable electrode utilize like 7018 will serve the purpose.
Purpose of utilization of material
The environment is also dependent on the selection of electrodes, and its use will depend on whether the climate will be cold or hot.
Welding electrode able to weld and to remain cracking free for a long duration.
Cleanliness of the material
The weld parts should be cleaned enough and free from dirt, grease, etc. to prevent cracking.
Sometimes it isn't possible to clean, and then base material should be welded with a deep penetrating electrode to cut the contaminated areas.
Types and applications of Rods:
- CHISA SH E6013 Mild steel:
It is used for medium type penetration and used for general purpose weldings like metal sheet, light fabrication, and fencing.
- CITOX E7018-1 Low Hydrogen:
It uses low to medium carbon steel. It has excellent mechanical properties and cracking resistance. It operates for shipbuilding, piping, boilers and pressure vessels, etc.
- Super cast 55:
It is a nickel-Iron alloy electrode and is used for joining, value, filling, etc.
- Super cast 99:
It is a suitable type of out of position casting of iron, highly nickel-containing electrode, and is used for buildings, filling, and cracking purposes.
- STAINARC 310:
It is a low carbon electrode, made of chromium and nickel, and is used for unknown composition and from stainless to carbon steels.
- STAINARC 316L:
It is also a low carbon electrode with additional molybdenum contents and uses for pharmaceuticals, oil refiners, and high temperature and heat exchangers.
Conclusion:
Different types of electrodes work over various kinds of materials and surfaces. And the question is surrounds: “what welding rod do I use” is answered by the above description. But to make welding successful, all factors and conditions should be kept in mind. However, welding is a skill that is developed more quickly by practicing and gaining experience.