How to choose the right welding electrodes - Metals and their processing

Welding electrodes: types and characteristics

Welding electrodes should be divided according to their purpose, the composition of the coating (its type), and methods of use (the type of welding current used). The principles of welding with coated rods are based on melting them using an electric current.

In this case, the coating material simultaneously turns into a mixture of gases and protective slag, which protect the welding zone.

The composition of the metal of the rod depends on the composition of the parts being welded: it can be steel, cast iron, a mixture of copper or aluminum with other (auxiliary) elements.

Classification by purpose

Electrodes are intended for welding:

Steels: low-carbon, high-carbon, alloyed - including stainless and heat-resistant (austenitic).
Cast iron - alloys with a high carbon content - 2.14% or more.
Aluminum and alloys.
Copper, brass and bronze.

Electrodes are not always used for their intended purpose. Example: a steel (and stainless steel) additive is used to weld some cast iron alloys.

For welding steels of different grades
For working with cast iron alloys
For aluminum welding
For working with copper and its alloys

To ensure a high-quality connection, you need to try to ensure that the composition of the electrode material matches as closely as possible the alloy of the parts being welded.

Labeling example

When determining the alphanumeric combination, the manufacturer includes the following data:

About the composition of the metal.
Features of coating.

Electrode diameter data.

Example: Uoni brand electrodes. On the package you can see the inscription: E42A-UONI-13/45-3,0-UD)/(E432(5)-B10.

To decrypt from left to right, the easiest way is to indicate the information in a column:

E42A - electrode for manual arc welding. The resulting weld strength is 420 MPa. (A) - increased plasticity:
UOSI 13 - brand name. The first letters are deciphered as follows: universal coating of the Scientific Research Institute No. 13;
45 — ultimate strength of surfacing — 450 MPa;
3,0 — diameter of the rod without taking into account the coating layer;
U - indicates that they are intended for welding carbon steels and low-alloy structures;
D — type of coating: thick;
E432 (5) - the index indicates the characteristics of the seam, which should ideally be obtained;
43 — minimum tensile strength: not less than 430 MPa;
2 — relative elongation — from 24%;
5 — welding is possible at temperatures (minimum) down to -40˚С; this ensures the impact strength of the weld metal is 34 J/sq. cm;
B - coating composition: basic;
1 — spatial position of the seam: any.
— welding is allowed only with an arc with constant characteristics (DC) and straight polarity.

The standard was originally developed back in the 40s of the 20th century. The compliance of domestic GOSTs with imported regulatory documents can be established using reference resources on the Internet. But those materials that are sold in Russia must already have certificates.

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Popular brands

For a number of reasons, some electrodes have become popular among professionals and amateurs.

Causes:

Special quality of materials.
Low cost per kilogram.

Availability in most regions.

But to obtain high-quality seams, it is recommended to choose electrodes that can be used to ensure a reliable connection of the starting materials.

Uoni-13/55

Electrodes are produced by a number of factories in Russia and CIS countries. Designed to work with low-carbon, low-alloy steels, and some grades of cast iron.

The result should be a seam with the following characteristics:

Tensile strength - up to 530 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 24%.

Yield strength - 420 MPa.

Recommended current for welding:

Diameter, mm	2	3	4	5
Current value, A	35-55	90-130	130-190	190-210

Welding with direct current of reverse polarity is allowed.

MR-3S

Universal rutile electrodes are distinguished by the fact that they transfer metal well even to rusty, damp and dirty surfaces. Often used to work with pipelines and critical building structures.

The regulatory standard is GOST-9466. Features of the finished seam:

Very viscous.
Resistant to cracking.

A thick layer of slag reliably covers the welding area.

Design parameters of seams after welding:

Tensile strength - up to 480 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 25%.

Yield strength - 410 MPa.

Recommended current for welding with different diameters:

Diameter, mm	2	2,5	3	4	5
Current value, A	30-70	50-90	70-130	140-200	160-260

The MP-3S can operate on both alternating and direct current.

Lb-52U

Universal electrodes made in Japan by Kobelco. They differ in that they have passed international certification and certification by NAKS. Complies with GOST 9467-75.

Consumer Features:

The slag reliably protects the welding zone and is easily removed.
The arc burns well even with voltage fluctuations in the network.

The likelihood of cracks forming inside the seams is minimal.
During welding, minimal metal spatter is observed.

The seam is viscous and plastic.

Characteristics:

Tensile strength - 530-546 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 31-35%.

Yield strength - 441-455 MPa.

Recommended welding current:

Diameter, mm	2,6	3,2	4
Current value, A	60-90	90-130	130-180

It is allowed to work on direct and alternating current in all ways, except for welding in a vertical position from top to bottom.

It is required to calcinate the electrodes before welding - 140 degrees - for 60 minutes.

ANO-4

Universal electrodes with rutile coating for operation from AC or DC sources. GOSTs: 9466-75, 9467-75.

Steels can be welded together, provided that the carbon content in them is no more than 0.25%. Surfacing is also allowed. Welding positions are any except from top to bottom.

Characteristics of the resulting seams:

Tensile strength - up to 430 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 20%.

Yield strength - 390 MPa.

Recommended current:

Diameter, mm	3	4	5
Current value, A	80-150	120-180	150-230

Electrodes are packaged either in small tubes weighing up to 1.5 kg, or in packs of 5 kg.

ESAB OK 94.25

The electrodes are suitable for working with a number of materials:

Burnt cast iron.
Tin bronze.

Can be used for surfacing on steel surfaces to obtain corrosion-resistant layers.

Characteristics of the resulting seams:

Tensile strength - up to 330-390 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 25%.

The yield strength is 235 MPa.

Recommended current:

Diameter, mm	2,5	3,2	4
Current value, A	60-90	90-125	125-170

Technologists recommend heating parts before welding to 300 degrees. To control the temperature, you can use a portable pyrometer or thermal pencils.

ESAB OK AlMn1 (OK 96.20)

Electrodes for welding aluminum alloys without the use of inert gases. The composition of the rod is special: Mn (manganese) - 1.00%, Si (silicon) - up to 0.5%, Fe (iron) - up to 0.7%, Al (aluminum base) - everything else.

Information about the quality of the resulting joint: if the technology is followed, it is possible to obtain a seam that is not inferior in strength to the base metal.

Recommended current parameters:

Diameter, mm	2,5	3,2	4
Current value, A	50-90	70-110	90-130

Because aluminum is soft, you need to press it lightly into the weld pool when welding.

The common electrode diameter is 2.4 mm. Length - 350 mm. Packed in sealed packs of 1-2 kg. Often sold individually.

Before welding, it is recommended to calcinate the electrodes at a temperature of 110-140 degrees for about 60 minutes. And the workpieces themselves - up to 150-300 degrees. You can only operate on direct current of reverse polarity.

ESAB OK 61.30

Electrodes for working with stainless steels, including those that operate under temperature loads.

Features of materials:

The arc starts easily. Small amount of splashes during operation.
You can cook in any position. Exception: top to bottom.

The slag crust is easily separated.

Electrodes can be used on both alternating current and direct current.

Seam characteristics:

Tensile strength - up to 560 MPa.
Relative elongation - up to 43%.

Yield strength - 430 MPa.

It is recommended to set the welding current:

Diameter, mm	1,6	2	2,5	3,2	4	5
Current value, A	35-50	45-65	60-90	80-120	120-170	150-240

Pre-calcination is not necessary.

Analogues of ESAB OK 61.30: KISWEL KST-308L (KISWEL, South Korea), AG E308L-16 (SUPERON, India), OZL-8 (Russia).

Storage rules

Have you ever used a welding machine?

It happened! It didn’t happen

The main problem encountered during storage is high air humidity. The electrode coating quickly absorbs moisture, making it impossible to work with such filler material. The only way to correct the situation is to calcinate the welding electrodes.

For this, there are special ovens or portable canisters with heating elements. At home, it is recommended to store packages open (without polyethylene) at a temperature of 20-22 degrees, relative humidity 40-50%.

Wet electrodes can cause pores to appear on the surface and inside the seam, and an increase in metal spattering will also be observed.

To correctly select welding electrodes, you need to have a good understanding of what alloy you need to work with.

You should also carefully prepare the additive itself and the surfaces to be welded for the operation:

Remove dirt and rust.
Heat the electrodes.
Set the welding current correctly.

If the technology is followed, you can count on obtaining seams with the characteristics specified by the electrode manufacturer.

other useful articles:

tips: which electrodes are best to choose for welding

Source: https://tehno-gid.net/access/svarochnye-elektrody-vidy-i-harakteristiki.html

Which electrodes are best for welding with an inverter? Types of electrodes and their purpose

The use of inverter welding machines is especially popular among beginners and garage craftsmen, since such machines are easy to use and allow many types of welding work to be performed efficiently.

But, despite the ease of operation, the use of an inverter welding machine requires the use of certain types of electrodes for operation.

High-quality electrodes help produce reliable and durable welds, and this topic is especially relevant for welders performing custom work, when durability and quality come to the fore.

The modern market offers dozens of types of electrodes for welding machines, and sometimes it is not easy to know which ones are best. What rods can be used for cutting metal with an inverter or for welding with an inverter, how to choose the right electrodes, their diameter and purpose? We will answer these and many other questions in this article. With the help of our article, you will be able to make the right choice of electrodes for welding with an inverter and find out which electrodes a beginner needs first.

How to choose electrodes for inverter welding

When choosing the best electrodes for welding, it is important to consider that the quality and durability of the weld largely depends on the selected components. You should not chase the most affordable price when choosing electrodes, as this may cause poor quality work. Of course, a professional welder will be able to make a perfect seam using any electrodes, but this is only the result of many years of practice. If you do not have much experience, it is better to overpay but get a decent result.

There are several most common brands of electrodes that are popular among beginners and practicing craftsmen:

ANO brand: rods of this brand are highly flammable and do not require calcination. The brand is popular among both beginners and professionals.
Brand MP-3: universal, most common. They can even be used to connect parts that have been subject to mild corrosion.
Brand MP-3C: electrodes of this brand are best used if you need to make a particularly strong and neat seam.
Brand UONI 13/55: allows you to make seams of the highest quality. This brand is preferred by highly qualified welders, since their experience allows them to easily perform work quickly and efficiently. It will be difficult for novice craftsmen to work with electrodes of this brand. If you need an aesthetic seam, but lack experience, choose the MP-3C brand.

In addition to the brand, there are a number of other important characteristics, which we will discuss below.

Diameter

When choosing welding electrodes for inverters, it is also important to take into account their diameter. Of course, if you use an inverter welding machine, then there is no point in placing increased demands on it, so you can use rods up to 2 mm. Many welders with ten years of experience talk about this, but they do not take into account that such work can only be performed with a limited number of parts. If you want to perform various types of work, then the diameter of the electrode must be chosen more carefully.

For example, which electrodes are best for welding with an inverter if the metal is thick? After all, such a part requires long-term calcination. You can spend a lot of time and effort using the usual small-diameter electrode, but we recommend simply choosing a larger diameter. The thicker the metal, the larger the diameter of the electrode.

Which electrodes are best for an inverter is also influenced by the specifics of your work. If you have to do routing work, we recommend choosing a larger electrode diameter to make work easier and reduce time. At the same time, electrodes with a diameter of up to 2 mm are quite sufficient for welding profiles.

With this diameter you can even weld sectional car doors, not to mention simpler structures.

Purpose

In addition to brand and diameter, they are divided according to their purpose. This also determines which electrodes are best for the inverter. Conventionally, they are divided into the following electrodes:

For welding carbon or low alloy metals.
For welding parts made of durable heat-resistant metals.
For working with stainless steel.
For working with aluminum and copper alloys or directly aluminum and copper.
For welding cast iron parts.
For minor repairs and surfacing.
Universal-purpose electrodes used for welding parts made of unknown metal.

Coatings

Manufacturers often apply special coatings to electrodes to improve their performance. Among the most common coatings are basic and rutile. The base coating is the most popular and is used by a large number of manufacturers. Thanks to him, it is possible to obtain a high quality seam. Well, in combination with the correctly selected electrode diameter and extensive experience, the welder is able to make a weld of the highest quality and weakly subject to mechanical stress.

Rutile coating is popular among craftsmen working with low-carbon steel. Thanks to this coating, the formation of pores in welds is eliminated; such electrodes can be used with alternating and direct current, and can be reused. Also, electrodes with rutile coating are simply more convenient to use when performing work in hard-to-reach places; when melted, such a coating does not emit hazardous substances (unlike other coatings), which allows you to maintain health.

How to perform high-quality welding with an inverter

Using an inverter you can get a fairly high-quality seam, but for this you need to take into account three important parameters:

Correctly set current strength for welding;
Optimal diameter of the selected welding rod;
Accounting for metal thickness.

As mentioned above, the thickness of the electrode is one of the main factors in the quality of the weld. Let us add that the current density also depends on the diameter. If you exceed the density value, the arc will lose its stability, it will be worse to weld the metal and the width of the seam will increase significantly.

This is not critical if the aesthetic side of the work is not so important. It is better to entrust welding of thin metals to semi-automatic welding machines. Otherwise, the seam may turn out weak and too wide.

This is especially critical when using large-diameter electrodes: pores form in the weld, significantly reducing its strength characteristics.

Pay attention to the current setting. The most convenient way to find out the recommended amperage is to simply look at the packaging. Most manufacturers indicate all the necessary information on it.

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Foreign manufacturers

Answering the question “Which electrodes to choose for welding with an inverter?” It is worth mentioning foreign manufacturers. There are many brands on our market, but we will focus on European ones. In our opinion, Abicor Binzel, ESAB, Böhler Welding and ELGA are the best.

Whatever manufacturer you choose, their products can be used to carry out all types of welding work: welding carbon steel, pipe joints, performing particularly complex work with difficult-to-weld metal, welding cast iron, copper and aluminum. If you cook to order or perform work with an increased degree of responsibility, then choose foreign manufacturers. Their quality is many times higher than the products of Russian manufacturers, since there is strict control in production.

Which electrodes for an inverter are better when welding with a Resanta machine?

Welding electrodes for Resanta must be selected in the same way as for other devices, namely, paying attention to the part itself. Answering the question of which electrodes are best for inverter welding with Resanta, we advise increasing the electrode diameter and current strength depending on the thickness of the part.

For example, with a part thickness of 10 mm, it is preferable to use a rod with a diameter of 5 mm. The Resanta company produces electrodes itself; they have a diameter from 2.5 to 5 mm. But they have one drawback - reduced plasticity.

How to cut metal with a welding inverter

Many novice craftsmen ask: “Which welding electrodes are best for an inverter when cutting?” But there is already a mistake in this question.

To understand which electrodes to choose for cutting metal with an inverter, consider an important feature: now there are special electrodes for cutting and there is no longer a need to use standard welding rods for this.

Yes, craftsmen used to use welding rods for cutting, but they did this only for lack of a better option. Specialized cutting electrodes provide a stable arc and easily oxidize the liquid metal, removing it from the cutting site. The work is done faster and with better quality. The diameter of such electrodes varies from 3 mm to 6 mm.

Instead of a conclusion

So which electrodes are best for welding? Briefly summarizing all of the above, we have highlighted several points that you should pay attention to in order to understand which electrodes to choose for welding with an inverter:

If you have a particularly important job to do (for example, you are making a product to order), then it is recommended to use components from trusted foreign manufacturers. Also choose one with a base coat. But if you are just an amateur, and this is not work for you, then use budget components from domestic manufacturers.
Consider the surface condition of the parts. Choose rutile coating if parts have been subject to minor corrosion.
The choice of electrode diameter and direct current strength directly depend on the thickness of the metal. The thicker the part, the larger the diameter of the electrode and the current parameter.

Now you know how to choose electrodes for inverter welding. We did not compile a rating, because in the end, each master himself chooses what is best for him. We just tried to help you choose the right electrodes for quality work. Good luck!

Source: https://svarkaed.ru/rashodnye-materialy/elektrody/luchshie-electrody-dlya-svarki-invertorom.html

How to choose welding electrodes: tips for beginners

If you are a beginner welder, then it will be very difficult for you to choose a welding electrode among all the variety. And this can become a real problem: for metal of a certain thickness, an electrode needs an appropriate diameter. Yes, and the set current also needs to be compared. But first things first.

Main types of electrodes

The electrode is otherwise called coating. It is a specially coated core. During the immediate welding process, the core begins to melt, which creates gas protection for the seam from exposure to oxygen, as well as a protective layer of slag.

When choosing, it is extremely important to match the composition of the core and the metal being welded. There are the following types of coatings:

metal: melting with and without coating (tape, wire);
non-consumable metal: tungsten (yttriated, lanthanumed, tinted, pure);
non-metallic non-melting: graphite, coal.

They can be used for:

carbonaceous;
alloyed;
highly alloyed;
stainless;
heat-resistant;
aluminum;
cast iron

metals In addition, there are many alloys, but mostly lightweight structural steel is used for them.

Coating

There are 4 types of coatings that are used in accordance with the task:

Rutile.
Cellulose.
Basic.
Sour.
Mixed: rutile acid (AR), rutile cellulose (RC), and so on.

The main coating is marked “B” and has excellent welding and technological properties. Since the hydrogen content is minimal, welding ensures high weld strength and impact strength. Withstanding alternating loads, low temperature - all this allows it to be used for welding, for example, oil and gas pipelines, shipbuilding, and bridge construction. The disadvantages include a large amount of slag and the formation of pores when working on a long arc.

For two coatings – cellulose (“C”) and base – welding is used with direct current of reverse polarity, in which the maximum strength of the deposited metal is very important.

Rutile ones are suitable for both direct and alternating current. Marking – “P”. Their main advantages: they are easy to ignite, and also spatter very little, the slag is easily separated, and the arc combustion is extremely stable.

Operation is not affected by an oxidized, contaminated surface, including its spatial position. However, before direct work, the electrodes must be calcined.

The device for working with them can have a low idle current voltage (from 45 to 55 volts).

Finally, the acid coating (“A”) of electrodes has the most important drawback - they are extremely harmful and are not recommended for use in confined spaces. Otherwise they are similar to rutile.

Electrode diameter and current

Depending on the thickness of the steel (millimeters), the diameter of the electrode (millimeters), the welding current is selected:

1.5 – thickness, 1.6 – diameter, 30-45 A – current;
2 – thickness, at 2 – diameter, 55-65 A, at 2.5 – diameter, 55-80 A;
3 – thickness, at 2.5 – diameter, 55-65 A, at 3 – diameter, 70-120 A;
4-5 – thickness, 3.2-4 – diameter, 130-160 A;
6-12 – thickness, at 4 – diameter, 130-160 A, at 5 – diameter, 180 – 210 A;
From 13 – thickness, 5 – diameter, 180-210 A.

Thus, the current can be calculated as follows: for each millimeter of electrode diameter there are 20-30 A. However, it is the welder’s decision to definitely choose any setting for this indicator.

The quality of the joint depends on the position of the electrode:

By holding the electrode at a right angle, you can light an arc, and by tilting it at an angle of about 15° and holding it 1-2 mm above the surface, cooking with a short arc, you can get a high-quality joint.
In order for the electrode to spread very quickly, filling all the voids, it is held perpendicular to the base metal.
By decreasing the angle, heat transfer increases, and the welding speed decreases. The stock seam has a small leg, you can form a fairly high-quality roller.
If the electrode is tilted very sharply, the seam will come out high, the edges will not be cooked through, and the bath will come out narrow. And the base material will not heat up at this angle of inclination.

The ability to work with welding comes, of course, with time. When holding the electrode, you must always remember how the core is positioned. Well, you read above about how to select the diameter, thickness and current. The most important thing now is to gain experience.

Source: https://TehnoPanorama.ru/instrumenty/kak-vybrat-svarochnye-elektrody-sovety-novichkam.html

Electrodes for welding: features, principle of operation, selection criteria

In order for electric welding to bring good results and for the seams to be reliable and super-strong, you should know how to choose the right electrodes. It is very easy to get confused by the wide range of products offered in the markets. They are distinguished by types, materials of manufacture, coating composition and other important parameters. The wrong choice will reduce the quality of the work performed.

First of all, you should pay attention to the fact that products can be melting or non-melting. The former consist of metal rods with a special surface coating, which protects the welding zones and increases the stability of the arc. They are used in the process of manual arc welding. The second category is intended for work in an environment with a protective gas (argon); its features will be considered separately.

When choosing, you also need to take into account what materials the parts to be connected are made from. Different types of electrodes are selected for welding different metals . For example:

If you need to connect low-carbon and low-alloy steels, you need to purchase carbon electrodes.
To connect alloy steel, products are purchased (GOST 9467−75, GOST 9466–75).
When you plan to work with surfacing or steels of different types, you will need products whose core is made of high-alloy metals.
When cooking cast iron, you also cannot do without the appropriate electrodes - OZCH-2.

Nowadays, a kind of rating of famous brands has been formed:

ANO. They have good ignition and do not require additional calcination. Both beginners and experienced professionals can work with them.
MP-3. Universal, can also be used for connecting uncleaned surfaces.
MR-3S. They are used when increased demands are placed on the seams.
SSSI 13/55. They are used for the installation of critical structures in which the seams must be of high quality. Inexperienced welders are not recommended to work with them, as experience and certain qualifications are required.

Advantages of famous brands

Facilitate the welding process. Difficulties can only arise if the core material is incorrectly selected.
High quality seams. This parameter is very important. Allows you to obtain strong connections, both external and internal, convex and concave welds.
Easy slag separation.
This makes it possible to see how high quality the seam is.
You can weld elements that have been susceptible to corrosion. Of course, such procedures are not performed too often, but they will be performed at the proper level.
Safety for the welder, sanitary and hygienic requirements are met.

Differences in brands and diameters

Experienced welders sometimes claim that using inverter welding machines, you can buy any electrodes. Such opinions are based on their personal experiences when they perform certain types of work. Mostly, when inverter welding there are no serious requirements regarding the tightness of the seams, therefore products with a diameter of 0.5–2 mm can be used.

The diameter and grade should be selected based on the thickness of the metals that will need to be connected . For significant thickness, long-term welding will be required, which means the electrode must have a large diameter.

You still need to learn how to work with thin electrodes for welding, because they burn quickly. As a rule, they are used to make tacks.

Also, the choice of welding materials depends on the type of work for which they are planned to be used. Thus, when complex routing work is carried out, large electrodes will be needed, and a structure from profile components can be mounted using electrodes with a diameter not exceeding 2 mm. They are used when connecting gate sections, making fences from corrugated sheets and pipes.

Product classification

The division into individual types is made, first of all, depending on their main purpose . In particular, the following stand out:

For welding carbon and low-alloy steels.
Allowing the connection of high-strength heat-resistant steels.
For working with high-alloy steels (“electrodes for stainless steel”).
For cooking aluminum and its alloys.
For working with copper and its alloys.
Allowing the connection of cast iron elements.
Those through which surfacing is carried out and repair work is carried out.
Connecting steel parts of uncertain compositions and difficult-to-weld steels.

Various coatings are applied to welding electrodes. Products with double coatings are most often used.

Products with a base coating, the most famous of them are UONI 13/55. They are selected to produce high quality welds with exceptional toughness, ductility and mechanical strength. In addition, such seams are resistant to crystallization cracks and are not prone to natural aging.

They have some disadvantages. So, if the components being connected are wet, there is rust or oil traces, or scale, pores will appear in the seams. Also, work is only possible on direct current and reverse polarity.

Another type is rutile coated electrodes . Such products, the most famous brand of which is MP-3, are used when connecting structural elements made of low-carbon steel. They have the following technological advantages:

Arc stability on both direct and alternating current.
Minor splashing of materials during work.
Obtaining high-quality welds regardless of location in space.
The slag is easily separated.
Good decorative characteristics of seams.
Can weld rusty and contaminated surfaces.

Source: https://tokar.guru/svarka/elektrody/kak-vybirat-elektrody-dlya-svarki.html

What types of welding electrodes are there?

To improve the quality of processing of metals and alloys, it is recommended to select appropriate electrodes for welding that provide optimal working conditions.

And in order to avoid mistakes when choosing a consumable, you should have a clear understanding of the existing types of electrodes, the order of their marking, as well as the possibilities of application.

Classification

All known types of electrodes are divided into products intended for welding various grades of steel, cast iron or non-ferrous metals and alloys.

This division involves taking into account not only current modes, but also the types of equipment with which the workpieces are supposed to be cooked. There is also a special category of electrodes used for the so-called “surfacing” of metals.

Depending on the purpose, manual operations are divided according to the technological features. Welding is performed in certain positions, with varying degrees of penetration and location relative to the weld pool.

In accordance with the thickness of the coating, all electrodes for manual welding are divided into thin (M), medium-sized (C) and thick (D) products.

And according to the type of coating, they are all divided into rods with acidic (A), so-called “basic” (B), rutile (R), cellulose (C) and combined coatings. The latter has a double designation; for all other cases, a special designation “P” (other) is provided.

The coating may contain impurities that improve the quality of the seam when working with a certain material. Thus, welding with rutile electrodes helps to create a seam that is resistant to cracking. They are often used to weld low-alloy steels.

In addition, all electrodes are classified according to the type and polarity of the supply current, as well as the magnitude of the voltage acting in the network.

The dependence of the length of the rod on its diameter can be tracked in the table.

If you wish, you can make welding rods with your own hands. To do this, use pieces of 1.66 mm steel wire. The length of each segment is approximately 35 cm.

The coating is a mixture of silicate glue and chalk. But today, with the abundance of products, it is better to purchase ready-made products, which will save nerves during welding and ensure a reliable connection.

Composition and characteristics

An electrode is essentially a wire that conducts electric current, or a rod with chemical parameters that determine its properties. Some types of welding electrodes consist of a single metal rod (uncoated), so they are commonly called "uncoated".

When a rod is coated with a special compound used to improve welding performance, it is classified as “coated.”

Melting and non-melting

The consumable metal rod in the welding electrode acts as the material that forms the seam and is usually made of steel or copper rod. In the latter case, they are called copper electrodes.

Non-consumable products for welding are produced on the basis of powdery and solid substances (coal, tungsten). They are intended to improve the quality of adhesion of welded parts. The connection is formed without the participation of the rod metal, and the electrode itself is used as a filler wire (rod).

The starting material for the production of such electrodes is a special type of carbon (amorphous), manufactured in the form of elongated rods of oval cross-section.

Such carbon products are used to obtain neat and beautiful welds, as well as for cutting very thick metal workpieces in air-arc mode.

Checking for compliance of the characteristics of welding electrodes with current standards is carried out by a special commission, based on the results of which a report is drawn up for checking technological parameters.

Technical characteristics of welding electrodes Type and brand TU, GOST Type Purpose and scope of electrodes Mechanical properties of electrodes Type of electrode current Spatial positions of welding time. resistance times.rel. udl.udl. elm.

E-46MR-3	TU 14-4-1853-2001 GOST 9466-75 GOST 9467 75	P	Electrodes for welding critical structures made of carbon steel with a tensile strength of up to 490 N/mm2 and carbon content of up to 0.25%	450N/mm2	18%	79 J/cm2	AC or DC reverse polarity	Anything except vertical from top to bottom
E-46MR-ZM	TU 14-4 1863-2001 GOST 9466-75 GOST 9467-75	AR	Electrodes for welding carbon and low-alloy structural steels with tensile strength up to 490 N/mm2	450 N/mm2	18%	78 J/cm2	AC or DC reverse polarity	Anything except vertical from top to bottom
E-50AUONI 13/55	TU 144 1856-2001 GOST 9466-75 GOST 9467 75	B	Electrodes for welding particularly critical structures made of carbon and low-alloy steels operating at low temperatures, when increased requirements for ductility and impact strength are imposed on the weld metal	490 N/mm2, Weld joint bend angle 150 °	20%	128 J/cm2	Constant reverse polarity	Anything other than vertical from top to bottom
E-42A USENI 13/45	TU 14-4 1855-2001 GOST 9467-75 GOST 9466-75	B	Electrodes for welding particularly critical structures made of carbon and low-alloy steels operating at low temperatures, when increased requirements for ductility and impact strength are imposed on the weld metal	410 N/mm2, Weld joint bend angle 180 °	22%	147 J/cm2	Constant reverse polarity	Anything except vertical from top to bottom
E-46ANO-4	TU 14-178-427-2002 GOST 9467-75 GOST 9466-75	R	Welding electrodes for welding structures made of carbon steel grades in accordance with GOST 380 and GOST 1050 in all spatial positions, except for the “top-down” method	460 N/mm2, Weld joint bend angle 180 °	22%	98 J/cm2	Variable or constant of any polarity	Anything except vertical from top to bottom
E-46ANO-4I

Source: https://svaring.com/welding/prinadlezhnosti/elektrody-dlja-svarki

How to choose electrodes for welding with an inverter?

If you decide to try yourself as a welder and have already bought a welding inverter, the next step will be to search for electrodes with which the welding will take place.

But which electrodes are best to choose for welding with your inverter?

In this article we will tell you what the diameter of the electrode depends on and how to select the welding current, and we will also tell you what direct and reverse polarity are and what polarity is needed for your electrodes.

Nowadays you can find a wide variety of electrodes on the market. They can be divided by type of coating, by purpose, by coating thickness or chemical composition. The marketing services of electrode manufacturers have developed dozens of selection tables and novice welders are lost in such an assortment.

Of course, you can go the simplest route and try all the suitable ones. This is an option, but you will have to spend both time and money.

How to minimize these costs and choose the right welding electrode? After all, the formation of a correct and reliable seam, as well as the comfort of your work, depends on the choice of electrode.

Rice. 1 - Electrodes

WHAT IS A WELDING ELECTRODE

A welding electrode is a consumable material, without which manual arc welding is impossible. This is a metal rod (core) with a special coating - coating. During the welding process, the rod melts, and the coating protects the seam from exposure to oxygen. The composition of the rod should be similar to the composition of the metal that you are going to weld. Therefore, there are electrodes for welding carbon, alloy, high-alloy steels, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron.

We will not consider many special alloys, for each of which a special electrode can be recommended. Most likely, you will be dealing with welding structural steel of small thickness and the only distinguishing point here will be the carbon content in the metal.

The choice of electrodes for manual welding depends not only on the metal to be worked with and its thickness, but also on the position in which the welding will take place, and what requirements will be placed on the strength of the seam.

For example, rutile-coated electrodes are not suitable for welding load-bearing structures that are operated at particularly low temperatures, but they produce a very elastic and stable arc, which makes it easy for even beginners to work with them.

TYPES OF ELECTRODES

What types of electrode coatings for manual arc welding exist?

There are usually 4 types of cover:

rutile
basic
sour
cellulose

Rice. 2 — Types of electrode coating

Each of them is designed to solve very specific problems.

Rutile electrodes are ideal for use with direct or alternating current. They light easily and do not splatter metal. The slag separates easily.

Rice. 3 – Rutile electrodes

Rice. 4 – Rutile coating

Rutile coated electrodes work well with devices with low open circuit voltage, for example, with IR series inverters equipped with the VRD function.

Basic and cellulose electrodes are only suitable for DC welding. They are chosen if the most durable seam is needed, for example when installing load-bearing structures. Cellulose electrodes can be welded in all spatial positions.

Fig. 5 – Basic and cellulose electrodes

Electrodes with an acid coating are welded using direct and alternating currents and guarantee easy separation of slag. But their fumes are harmful to the welder, so they can only be used outdoors.

Fig. 6 – Acid electrodes

There are also mixed electrodes that combine the properties of different types. For example, FUBAG's product range includes rutile-cellulose electrodes, which are excellent for welding structures and pipelines. They are ideal for ceiling applications as the coating is based on short slags and ensures that the weld pool is retained in the ceiling.

Fig. 7 – Mixed (rutile-cellulose) electrodes

Rice. 8 — Rutile-cellulose electrodes FUBAG

Type of coverage	Purpose	With cooking in positions	+	—
Rutile	For operation on direct and alternating currents. Operate at low open circuit voltage.	All spatial positions except vertical seams from top to bottom	Easy ignition and re-ignition Low spatter Easy slag release	Not suitable for welding load-bearing structures that are operated at particularly low temperatures
Basics	For DC operation.	In all spatial positions except vertical seams from top to bottom	Increased strength welding of especially critical structures	Ignition of the arc and re-ignition are difficult. A fairly high qualification of the welder is required
Pulp	For DC operation.	In all spatial positions. Avoid overheating.	Special strength welding of especially critical structures	Losses due to splashingThe coating absorbs moisture very quicklyRequires special storage and packaging conditions
Sour	For operation on direct and alternating currents.	In all spatial positions except vertical seams from top to bottom	Easy slag separation	Splash losses. Possible cracks in the seams. Harmful to the health of the welder
Mixed (rutile-cellulose)	For operation on direct and alternating currents.	In all spatial positions except vertical top-down	Seam strengthLow consumption	Not suitable for welding load-bearing structures that are operated at particularly low temperatures

ELECTRODE DIAMETER FOR MANUAL WELDING

The next parameter you will encounter when choosing an electrode is its diameter.

In general, in order to select an electrode when welding with an inverter, we must know the type of metal and its thickness because... For each type of metal and thickness, a different electrode is selected.

Experienced welders also take into account the position for welding, the depth of penetration and other nuances, but for starters, the thickness of the metal will be enough for us.

Rice. 9 – Selecting an electrode

POLARITY OF ELECTRODES

Based on the type of electrodes, they can be divided into electrodes that work only with direct or reverse polarity, as well as universal electrodes that work with both polarities. The correct choice of electrode connection polarity simplifies the welding process and improves the quality of the seam. The polarity of welding electrodes is indicated on the packaging.

To perform the vast majority of household tasks, you will use universal electrodes.

The welding inverter has a polarity selection. That is, you can connect the electrode holder to both plus and minus.

There are two options for connecting the ground and electrode holder:

- direct polarity - when the workpiece is connected to the plus, and the electrode to the minus.

- reverse polarity - electrode to positive, workpiece to negative.

The pack of electrodes indicates the polarity in which they are recommended to work.

WELDING CURRENT PARAMETERS

Now that the electrodes and polarity have been decided, all that remains is to select the desired current strength.

The welding current is selected depending on the diameter of the electrode. And the choice of electrode, as we have already written, depends on the thickness of the metal. On the housings of FUBAG devices there are hint tables that will help you instantly select the desired current strength. Once you gain enough experience, you will be able to adjust the amperage to suit your style.

Fig. 10 – Selection of welding current depending on the diameter of the electrode

For example: You plan to weld small metal structures - a fence, greenhouse frame or box. The material for them is small shaped rolled products (angles, profile pipes) and rolled sheets made of low-carbon steel with a thickness of 2-3 mm.

The table shows that three electrodes and a device with a current of up to 130 A (we show IR 160) completely cover this task.

You can also use a simplified formula:

For 1 mm of electrode you need 35-40 A of welding current.

When buying welding electrodes, you need to be sure that they have retained all their qualities. Electrodes are a very specific product and the preservation of their original properties depends on storage conditions and the integrity of the packaging. And the quality of the seam will directly depend on the quality of the electrode.

Before welding, check the surface of the electrodes - they should be free of swelling, scratches and chips, well coated and free of rust at the ends.

If the welding electrodes were not stored correctly and became damp, then when working with them, the quality of the seam will suffer, cracks and pores will appear.

Novice welders often ask: how and in what way to calcinate the electrodes.

At home, or in a summer cottage, electrodes can be calcined in different ways. For example, some experienced welders do this in the oven. Setting the temperature to about 190-210°C, keep the electrodes in the oven for about 20-30 minutes.

In fact, it also depends on the coverage.

Electrodes with rutile coating usually do not need to be calcined, but if they are still very damp, then it is better to calcine them for 1-2 hours at a temperature of 100-150°C. At lower calcination temperatures, the calcination time must be increased.

Electrodes with cellulose coating, as a rule, absorb little moisture. Therefore, they do not need to be heated. As a last resort, they can be heated at a temperature of no more than 70°C, otherwise they may crack.

If electrodes with a basic coating are stored under normal conditions (15°C / 40% relative humidity) and in the original packaging, then they also do not need to be annealed. After unpacking, they can be heated at 50 degrees for 2-3 hours.

It is not recommended to calcinate the same electrodes more than 3 times. Electrodes should be stored in a dry room at a temperature not lower than 10-15 degrees.

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Source: https://store.fubag.ru/tips/kak-vybrat-elektrody-dlya-svarki-invertorom/

Which electrodes are best for welding, the best for beginners, quality, electrode rating

Each welder, whether he is a beginner or an experienced master, will answer the question posed differently. This is due to the extreme subjectivity of this approach. In this article we will try to reveal the answer to the question in more detail by analyzing different brands and types of electrodes.

Which electrodes are better

First of all, it is necessary to list the criteria according to which the selection of electrical conductors occurs:

Beginner welders are recommended to use rutile-coated consumables; for experienced welders, rod coating does not play an important role;
electrodes can be consumable and non-consumable;
it is necessary to determine the design, product or equipment of what type to be welded;
the choice also depends on the grade of steel being processed (see purpose);
thickness of products;
The type of work also has a significant impact: complex and massive structures are welded with large-diameter electrodes, welding of profile elements is carried out with materials up to 2 mm in diameter;
type of welding current and polarity of its connection;
and not the least role is played by the quality of welding electrodes.

Do not use materials with chipped coating!

For newbies

Most often, the question about which ones are better and which ones are worse is asked by beginners, so let's start with what are good electrodes for beginners. As stated earlier, the preferred electrode option for beginners is rutile-coated rods. This is due to the fact that this type of conductor is characterized by ease of use.

The most popular brands with rutile coating:

ANO-4.
MP-3.
OK 46.00 (in the picture).
UTP 65D.

For household welding

Household welding is characterized by a low level of complexity, as well as the absence of special requirements for the reliability and quality of the weld. Ease of operation is expected. Therefore, we will separately consider good electrodes for household welding.

Household welding includes work on the manufacture of small structures (for example, welding of fencing systems (fences), greenhouse frames, etc.), performing small work in a garage or at the construction site of a private house.

ANO electrodes (in the picture on the right) are most often chosen for welding at home. This brand is suitable for working with almost all types of welding inverters. Therefore, it has become widespread among beginners and home craftsmen.

Conductors of the MP-3 brand are distinguished by their versatility and unpretentiousness. These consumables allow you to weld even wet, rusty and poorly cleaned surfaces.

UONI - electrodes for a durable seam, have a more capricious “character”.
To weld this brand, you must have certain skills, but SSSI can be used for welding surfaces of any complexity. [ads-pc-2][ads-mob-2]

For welding stainless steel

Welding electrode EA-400/10T.

Now, which electrodes are better for welding stainless steel. Many home craftsmen are often interested in the question: is it possible to weld stainless steel with conventional electrodes? It is possible to connect stainless steel with this type of consumables, but it is not entirely professional and the welding seams may soon become covered with rust.

List of the most popular brands of electrodes for welding stainless steel:

NZh-13.
OZL-8.
TsL-11.
TsT-15.
EA-400/10T.
OK 63.30.

Watch a short video that demonstrates welding stainless steel with a “black” electrode, but as you can see from the ratings of the video and comments on the video, such welding causes mixed opinions among professionals and amateurs.

The full list can be found in the “Stainless steel electrodes” section.

For welding cast iron

Electrodes OZZHN-1

What good electrodes for welding cast iron would you recommend? Cast iron is one of the most popular materials used in a variety of applications and applications. There are several types of cast iron: malleable, gray, high-strength, etc.

As a rule, almost all of the electrodes listed below are suitable for cast iron, but not any type (the electrode must correspond to the grade of metal, but this is a topic for another discussion):

MNC-2.
OZZHN-1.
OZCH-2.
TsCh-4.
OK 92.18.

The entire list of electrodes intended for welding cast iron is presented in the section “Electrodes for welding and surfacing of cast iron.”

For pipes

When choosing consumables for welding pipes, the main criterion is the thickness of the product. The thicker-walled the pipe has to be welded, the larger the diameter of the electrode should be.

There are four types of joints that are used when welding pipes:

end-to-end;
overlap;
vtavr;
in the corner.

The type of connection also affects the choice of electrode brand.

In addition, it should be remembered that the classification of pipes is quite extensive, so choosing the best electrodes for pipes is an incorrectly posed question. To work with critical pipelines, electrodes designed for complex welding processes should be used. Consumables for welding household pipes (for example, water pipes) are not subject to increased requirements for strength and reliability.

Popular brands of welding materials for welding pipes:

ZIO-20.
TML-1U.
UONI-13/55.
TsU-5.

A complete list is presented in the section “Electrodes for pipe welding”.

It should be noted that LB-52U electrodes are the most popular among professional welders. This brand is excellent for welding critical tanks; gas pipelines, inside of which high pressure is maintained.

Amateurs and novice welders for domestic purposes are recommended to purchase grades with rutile coating: ANO-4, MR-3S, OK 46.00 and others.
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For inverter

Again, beginners ask the question: “Which welding electrodes are best for an inverter?” On the modern market of welding materials there is a great variety of electrodes for inverters.

Most (and almost all) brands are suitable for equipment of this type, since such units produce direct current. And if the electrode cooks “alternately,” then it will also cook “constantly.”

If a welder has a question about the types of conductor suitable for an inverter, most likely he is a novice specialist. Accordingly, it is recommended to use consumables with rutile coating.

The best electrodes for welding are calcined and dry.

The main component of convenient and comfortable welding, as well as a high-quality result, are dry electrodes, without damage. Calcination and drying are extremely important. The implementation of these procedures will help to avoid many problems during welding work: sticking of the conductor, shedding of the coating, etc.

What kind of coverage is needed?

There are four main types of coating, each of which has its own distinctive properties.

1. Acid coating is mainly composed of iron, manganese, silicon and other chemical elements. Electrodes with this type of coating are marked with the letter “A”. Advantages of acid-coated consumables: high resistance to the appearance of air channels in the welded joint; the ability to process rusty products and parts with scale. The main disadvantage is the risk of hot cracks appearing in the weld metal.

2. Electrical conductors with cellulose coating are designated by the letter “C”. A special feature is the high content of organic substances (mass fraction can reach 50%): cellulose, organic resins, ferropalms, etc.

When burned in an arc, this type of coating releases a large amount of protective gases and a small amount of slag. This guarantees the convenience of welding work in a vertical position.

Disadvantages : high hydrogen content when working with steel can negatively affect the characteristics of the deposited metal; significant amount of splashes.

3. Rutile electrodes are marked with the letter “P”. The basis of the coating is rutile, as well as some silicon and oxygen content.

This type is characterized by quiet melting, a small amount of spatter, easy slag separation, and the seam has a fine pattern. An important feature is the ease of re-ignition of the arc.

Welding work should be carried out in conditions of normal humidity and after calcination of the materials, otherwise the quality of the connection deteriorates and signs of oxidation appear.

4. The main coating of the electrodes is designated by the letter “B” and consists of magnesium and calcium carbonates. Conductors with this type of coating are designed to operate on direct current, as well as for connecting critical structures and pipelines.

The deposited metal has an increased level of ductility and is not prone to oxidation. The main advantage is that the low saturation of this type of coating with hydrogen eliminates the deterioration of the characteristics of steel and other metals.

The main disadvantage is the formation of a large amount of slag.

Popular and best domestic electrodes for welding

ATTENTION! The following information is based on publicly available data at the time of this writing. For greater objectivity, we will make our own rating of welding electrodes, which is given below. We invite you to add your voice.

As a result of marketing research of the welding materials market, the most popular brands in recent years are:

Resanta.
SpetsElektrod (Moscow).
“LEZ”.

experts looks like this:

KOMZ.
ESAB-Tyumen.
“Penzaelectrode”.
“LEZ”.
"SEZ".

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The best and high-quality imported electrodes

Experts and end consumers have similar opinions about high-quality and especially popular foreign brands of welding electrodes:

ESAB.
Lincoln Electric.
Kobe Steel.

The best (popular) brands of electrodes

Materials for cast iron and stainless steel are not included due to their specificity.

The best (popular) electrode manufacturers

If you see that the ratings are missing a well-deserved brand or manufacturer, write in the comments, they will be added to the survey.

Conclusion

Each welder decides for himself which brand of welding materials to use. After analyzing all the information presented and familiarizing yourself with the ratings, you will undoubtedly be able to choose the necessary electrodes suitable for performing certain jobs. Good luck!

Source: https://WeldElec.com/info/kakie-elektrody-luchshe/

Electrodes for welding - types, markings and selection

Not all novice welders know that there are more than 200 types of electrodes for welding, of which about a hundred types are used in manual welding. They don’t need to know everything, but they need to get information about some of the most popular and frequently used ones. Therefore, let's move on to the selection of electrodes for manual arc welding.

Electrode components

An electrode is a wire coated on top with a special compound called coating. During the welding process, the wire (core) melts under the influence of high power electric current, filling the space between the welded metal products. The coating also melts, which releases gas during combustion. The latter envelops the welding zone, preventing oxygen from penetrating inside.

The second purpose of the coating is to protect the welded layer itself. During the melting process, part of the coating material becomes liquid and covers the weld seam. This thin film protects it from the negative effects of oxygen. Why is this protection necessary?

During the process of melting metal, oxygen will absorb some of the energy, so the electric current may not be enough for the welding itself.
When contacting oxygen with low humidity, oxide appears on metals, reducing its quality characteristics.

Types of coating

Currently, four types of coating are used.

The main one is marked “B”.
Sour – “A”.
Pulp - “C”.
Rutile – “R”.

There are mixed types, for example, AR - acid-rutile, RB - rutile-basic, RZh - rutile mixed with iron powder and RC - rutile-cellulose.

Most often, for manual welding with an inverter, welding electrodes with a basic or rutile coating are used. The first category includes electrodes of the UONI brand. They are usually used in cases where it is necessary to obtain a high-quality weld.

That is, the seam must meet high strength, impact strength and high ductility. At the same time, seams from the UONI welded electrode guarantee that crystalline cracks will not form inside the welded material, plus electrodes of this type are not subject to aging.

Therefore, experts recommend their use for welding critical structures that will be operated in harsh conditions.

SSSI also has its downsides. Moisture on the electrodes, rust on the end of the wire, oil or grease stains on the coating, rust on the metal products being joined - all this guarantees the appearance of cavities inside the weld seam, which reduce its quality. In addition, you can only work with these electrodes using direct current with reverse polarity.

Rutile-coated welding consumables are used primarily for joining low-carbon steel parts. Their prominent representative is the MR brand. Here are the positive characteristics of this category.

They can operate on both direct and alternating current.
Metal spattering is minimal.
Using electrodes of this type, high-quality welding seams can be obtained in any position of the workpiece.
Slag comes off easily after welding.
Using MR, you can cook rusty products, and even heavily contaminated ones.
Easy ignition even with a low current-voltage characteristic of the inverter.

When a beginner is faced with the question of how to choose the right electrode for welding, the best option for him is the MP brand.

Attention! Experts do not recommend using MP for welding vertical seams from top to bottom.

Rutile coatings include ANO grades. They are used for joining carbon steel products, for example, for welding pipelines. All other characteristics are exactly the same as those of the MP.

Why do experienced welders not like to use rutile-coated electrodes? First of all, they call them sparklers. Secondly, this is soft and fast welding, and for good heating of the metal, slow welding is needed. Therefore, professionals have a negative attitude towards them, but for beginners this is just right.

Other selection options

A few more parameters that determine the choice of electrodes for welding. One of the most important indicators is the polarity of the connection, and accordingly the type of current.

If an inverter is used for welding, then you need to understand that it produces direct current. Therefore, connecting the electrode for welding can be done according to two schemes.

Polarity is straight. The diagram is as follows: minus is connected to the welding electrode, plus to ground.
The polarity is reversed. Here it’s the other way around: minus to the mass, plus to the holder.

What are the features of each connection scheme? It all depends on the strength of welding of metals. With direct polarity, the metal parts being welded are subject to high heat. With reverse polarity, the heating temperature is not so high.

Therefore, when you need to weld two metal sheets of small thickness, it is better to use reverse polarity, which will provide protection against burn-through. In addition, reverse polarity is used when welding products made from high-alloy steels.

They are sensitive to high temperatures.

There are three more indicators that you need to pay attention to.

Welding thickness

The diameter of the electrode must be related to the thickness of the parts being welded. That is, these two parameters are interconnected. Here are some ratios.

Diameter of welding material, mm Thickness of welded parts, mm

2,5	2
2,5-3	3
3,2-4	4-5
4-5	6-12
5	13

It is important to choose an electrode by diameter. The thing is that the higher this indicator, the worse the density of the seam, taking into account the ratios in the table. In addition, incorrect selection leads to instability of the welding arc, deterioration of penetration, and an increase in the width of the seam itself.

Another dependence of the diameter of the welding electrode. In this case, it depends on the current strength.

Diameter of welding material, mmWelding current, A

2	55-65
2,5	65-80
3	70-130
4	130-160
5	180-210
6	210-240

It turns out that three parameters: current strength, thickness of the metals being welded and electrode diameters are interconnected. Therefore, when answering the question of which electrodes to choose, it is necessary to take this relationship into account.

However, we note that the current strength in each category may differ slightly from those presented in the table. MR electrodes with a diameter of 2 mm can be welded at a current of 40 A. SSSI at 30 A.

Therefore, before choosing electrodes, be sure to study their characteristics, which are indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging of the welding material.

Selecting welding materials for the required metals is not always easy, because by eye you can only determine steel, stainless steel, cast iron or non-ferrous metal. It is clear that in addition to steel structures where the electrodes described above are used, in all other cases special welding products are used: for cast iron, for stainless steel, for aluminum and so on.

As for steel products, there are certain difficulties depending on the definition of the type of steel. But if you figure this out, then the question of how to choose the right electrodes will become easier to answer.

For welding boiling-type steels, you can use any grade with any coating. These steels include: low-carbon and slightly deoxidized.
For welding semi-quiet steels, it is better to use electrodes with rutile or basic coating.
For welding structures made of mild steel, which are subject to high dynamic loads, and which are operated at fairly low sub-zero temperatures, it is better to use grades with a basic coating.

The quality of the weld will also be affected by the stability of the arc. Therefore, the electrode you choose must match the type of current you are using. For welding consumables with a basic coating, only direct current is required; for other types, both direct and alternating current can be used. For electrodes with rutile, cellulose and acid coating, which operate from welding transformers, that is, on alternating current, the arc burns stably. This means the seam is of high quality.

As for the welding direction, cellulose-coated electrodes are welded well in the lower position and vertically. Because these electrodes produce a fairly viscous slag and plus the metal of the wire is transferred to the seam in small drops, which allows you to evenly fill the joint between the metal parts. In this regard, the worst weld seam is formed on electrodes with a basic coating.

When there is a question of welding thick-walled products, the technology determines the multilayer nature of the applied seam. Therefore, such a parameter as good slag separation becomes the main one when choosing electrodes. In this regard, electrodes with basic coating again lose out. Let us also add here that welding products of this type require a certain purity of the metals being welded.

Conclusion on the topic

Selecting a welding material according to all parameters is not easy. You will have to take into account many nuances, so it is recommended to take into account the tables located above, as well as information that indicates the purpose of the electrodes themselves.

Source: https://svarkalegko.com/materials/vidy-svarochnih-elektrodov-i-ih-vibor.html