The first two digits on an electrode’s label stand for the tensile strength and the type of flux. The third digit tells you the rod’s position. The fourth tells you what kind of welding current to use. All of these numbers are important for the welder, but you may not know all of them. So, how do you read these numbers?
Tensile Strength
To determine the tensile strength of an electrode, look for its classification. A low-alloy steel electrode with a tensile strength of 80,000 psi is classified as E80xx. For this electrode, deduct 13,000 from the tensile strength to determine its yield strength. A similar procedure applies to high-alloy electrodes. However, it is important to note that these values may not be exactly the same.
When selecting an electrode for welding a large workpiece, it is important to consider its tensile strength. This will help determine the amount of weld metal the electrode can deposit. The E4918 electrode, for example, has a minimum tensile strength of 490 MPa and is intended for all welding positions. The electrode is designed with a basic coating that will prevent cracking and will keep the weld metal warm until the job is complete.
A basic flux-coated electrode has a tensile strength of 550N/mm2, is corrosion-resistant, and is ideal for general welding applications. This electrode is brittle at -30 degrees C. The electrochemical composition contains 1.4-2% Manganese and 0.3-0.6 percent Molybdenum. It is suitable for DC current and can be used in all positions except vertically. The deposited weld metal contains a concentration of hydrogen of ten milliliters per 100g.
Another method for manufacturing an electrode is spin-coating an elastic polymer solution and transferring the conductive film to the second conductive film. The negative active material is formed by mixing carbon black, CMC, and deionized water. The slurry is then spin-coated on the second conductive film at 2000 rpm for 60 seconds. After spinning, the electrode is heat-treated and dried at a temperature of 100 degrees C.
Flux Type
Welding requires that the tensile strength of the weld match the strength of the material being welded on. The electrodes have two digits on them, one for the tensile strength of the material and one for the heat resistance of the electrode. For example, the electrode that is labeled 60 will weld in any position, and the one labeled 62 will only weld in the flat position.
The electrode numbering system provides more information than you might think. These two numbers indicate the polarity and the flux coating of the electrode. A 6011 electrode is suitable for both AC and DCEP. A 7018 electrode is made of potassium and iron powder compounds and works best with reverse polarity. These are two examples of electrodes, but the meanings of their first two digits vary widely.
In the US, this numbering system is used. In general, the first two digits tell the welder what type of electrode to use. The electrode that is labeled as E6011 means that it is suitable for all situations and verticals. The final two digits tell the welder the coating on the electrode and how much current it is able to handle.
What do the first two numbers on the electrode mean? A high number is used for a weld with a high level of penetration. The electrode that is labeled as 7018 offers medium-level penetration. The higher the number, the more flux and shielding the electrode has. However, this number is not necessarily representative of the type of weld being performed. It does not mean that the electrode is the best choice for all applications, but it is essential to know the basic characteristics of a stick electrode.
Filler Metal
The metal wire known as filler metal is a part of the electrode that acts as a filler to close the gap between two base materials. It is not part of the electrical circuit but provides the desired properties during welding. A covered electrode is the most common type of filler metal in arc welding. The type of electrode used will depend on the weld properties, and it will determine the specification of the electrode. In SMAW welding, for instance, the filler metal is a component of the electrode. In GMAW and TIG welding, the filler metal is used as a filler material.
A typical electrode will have an identification number that indicates its filler metal, the tensile strength (KSI), and the position of the electrode in the joint. A sticker on the product may also have optional designators. A label on a stick electrode may say M, indicating that it was manufactured to meet military requirements. It is essential to know what type of filler metal you need for your welding application. It’s important to remember that some filler materials are molten, while others are solid.
When choosing the filler metal for a welding project, workers must consider several factors, including the form of the metal objects to be welded. The materials can be aluminum, stainless steel, mild steel, or cast material. As a general rule, filler metals must be compatible with the base metal’s tensile strength. Dissimilar compositions will not bond well or at all. So, consider the properties that are important for your welding application and consult with a welding equipment distributor.
Diameter
Before purchasing an electrode, determine the size of the base metal. The diameter of the electrode must match the thickness of the base metal. A 3/16″ e6010 electrode is suitable for thin and thick metals alike. A larger electrode can cause the arc to break or fall off, contaminating the weld. A smaller electrode may be too thick for the base metal. If you want a higher voltage and higher current, you can buy larger electrodes.
The size of the electrode determines its tensile strength. If the diameter is 70mm, the rod is 70,000 pounds per square inch. If the diameter is smaller, the electrode can be used for simple route works. When it comes to small diameter electrodes, they are used in the installation of profile elements and the manufacture of various enclosing structures made of corrugated board and profile pipes. Likewise, large-diameter electrodes are used for the joining of parts with undefined composition and difficult-to-weld steels.
The diameter of the electrode is important when choosing the best welding electrode. The diameter is usually indicated in normative documents. However, it is important to note that domestic and foreign companies will have different dimensions of their electrodes. The diameter of the electrode should match the thickness of the metal in question. A 1.6mm electrode is appropriate for thin metals. A larger diameter electrode should be used for thicker metals. However, if you want to weld small details, a smaller electrode may be more suitable.
The thickness of the base metal should also be considered before selecting the electrode diameter. Low carbon steel is easier to work with than other metals. The thickness of the base metal should also be factored into the electrode diameter, wire speed, and current settings. Thicker metals will need higher energy to weld. If the base metal is too thick, it may result in a spatter or even stickiness of the electrode. This can lead to a poor weld.
Current
The first two numbers on the electrode are the classification and position. The position is critical because it impacts the finances of the project. The last two numbers are reserved for the type of flux coating and welding current. These two factors affect the quality of the weld and the project’s finances. To determine what to look for when selecting an electrode, refer to the chart below. It will help you make the correct choice.
The first two numbers are important to know when choosing the correct electrode for a job. The first two numbers tell the welder that the electrode is designed for arc welding. The second and third numbers tell the welder the minimum tensile strength of the welding wire. The final number tells the welder about the coating and the electrode’s current. When comparing the first two numbers, look for the first one in the sequence.
The last two numbers tell the welder that the current and coating type should be chosen accordingly. A typical electrode, or welding rod, should be suitable for the current used for a particular job. It should be suitable for the welder’s skill level and the type of material to be welded. The first two numbers on the electrode tell the welder the overall tensile strength of the weld.
The AWS system for identifying stick electrodes is based on letters and numbers on the electrode. Each letter represents a specific property. For example, an electrode marked “E6010” means 60,000 psi with a tensile strength of 60 KSI. The E6010 electrode is also used in horizontal fillet welds.