How are electrode brands deciphered?

All about electrode marking

Why is labeling necessary? What does the number or letter mean in the electrode markings? These and many other questions are often asked by beginning welders. In this article we will tell you how to decipher the labels on the packaging and teach you to understand the details of the markings and their features.

But first, a definition. The marking of welding electrodes is a set of numbers and letters that encrypt information about the various characteristics of the rod. Each letter or number corresponds to its own information. The marking and the characteristics encoded in it influence the selection of components, be it electrodes for alternating current or electrodes for direct current. The electrodes themselves are divided according to many characteristics, which we will talk about later, and we will explain the markings along the way.

articles

• Type and marking
• By brand
• By diameter
• By purpose
• By coating thickness coefficient
• By index group
• By type of coverage
• By spatial position
• According to the characteristics of welding current
• Special markings
• Transcript example
• Instead of a conclusion

Type and marking

The first set of letters and numbers you see on the electrode packaging indicates the type of rod. The example above shows the marking E50A. Such rods are suitable for welding low-alloy and high-alloy steel. The marking of welding electrodes itself consists of the following symbols:

• The letter E. It is used to mark electrodes intended for manual arc welding.
• A number (in this case “50”). This is the tensile strength, sometimes written “50 kgf per square millimeter or /mm2”.
• The letter A. It means that the seam is plastic and has increased impact strength.

As you can see, at this stage the symbol for welding electrodes is very simple; just remember (or write down on a piece of paper) what each letter and number means.

Now let's talk about the existing types of electrodes. Try to remember them or write them down, as this will make your future work easier. So, for welding low-alloy or carbon steel, the following types of rods are suitable for us: E38, E42, E46, E50, E42A, E46A, E50A, E55, E60, E70, E85, E100, E125, E150. Do not forget that the number after the letter “E” indicates the tensile strength; the stronger the steel, the higher the number should be.

If you need to weld heat-resistant steel, then the following electrodes are suitable: E-09M, E-09MH, E-09H1M, E-05H2M, E-09H2M1, E-09H1MF, E-10H1MNBF, E-10H3M1BF, E10H5MF.

To work with high-alloy steel, which has special properties, manufacturers offer more than forty types of electrodes, but here are the most popular ones: E-12X13, E-06X13N, E-10X17T, E-12X11NMF, E-12X11NVMF.

If you need to fuse a surface layer with special properties, then use electrodes E-10G2, E-10G3, E-12G4, E-15G5, E-16G2ХМ, E-30G2ХМ (there are also 38 more types).

Well, there are many types, but this is just the beginning. Among other things, electrodes are divided according to other criteria. Which one?

By brand

The next set of letters and numbers is the brand of the electrode (do not confuse it with the concept of marking). The brand can be established by GOST or patented by the manufacturer (as is the case with ESAB electrodes and their “OK” brand). In this case, several brands can correspond to the rod at once. This is a broad topic, so we have dedicated a separate article to it.

By diameter

The following numbers are the diameter of the rod, measured in millimeters. The diameter is selected based on the thickness of the metal being welded. The thicker, the larger the diameter. In our example it is 5 mm.

By purpose

Also, electrodes can be designed for various metals. In our example, this is the letter “U”, it means that you can weld low-alloy steel with a tensile strength of 60 kgf per square millimeter. If such steel has a higher tensile strength, then use electrodes marked with the letter “L”. Electrodes for welding heat-resistant steel are designated “T”; for welding steels with special properties, the letter “B” is indicated, and rods for surfacing are designated by the letter H.”

By coating thickness coefficient

The next designation is the thickness of the coating or otherwise the coating. In our example, this is “D” (thick coating). But besides this, welding electrodes are also marked with the letter “M” (thin coating), the letter “C” (medium) and the letter “G” (very thick).

By index group

This is one of the most complex markings; beginners often do not understand it, because several numbers contain many characteristics at once. Typically, a group of indexes is written on the packaging with electrodes for welding high-alloy steel, so this already simplifies understanding. Let's take a closer look at what each number means in our example.

So, number 5 is the corrosion resistance of the seam. Number 1 is the maximum operating temperature at which the heat resistance of the seam is indicated. Number 4 is the working temperature of the seam. The number (4), taken in brackets, indicates how much ferrite phase is in the weld. The larger each digit is, the correspondingly larger the value. Below is a table with the characteristics of the weld metal for welding high-alloy steels; after studying it, you will understand what each number means.

The symbol of electrodes for surfacing can consist of two parts, and not of 3-4 numbers, as we said earlier. To an index of 3-4 digits, an index of three digits is added, written with a hyphen and separated by a fraction with the first index. For example, E300/32-1.

The number 32 indicates the hardness of the metal that can be welded. The number 1 means that the hardness of such electrodes is ensured without thermal effects.

Sometimes you can see the number 2, it means that hardness is provided after thermal exposure.

By type of coverage

This is one of the last values ​​​​in the marking. Like many other characteristics of the electrode, it is indicated by a letter. In our example, the letter is “B” (base coating), but there are also “C” (cellulose), “A” (sour), “P” (rutile) and “P” (other).

The letters can be connected to indicate electrodes with a special coating (for example, “RC” stands for rutile-cellulose).

If the coating contains iron powder, then the letter “Zh” is added (for example, “BZh” means the main coating with iron powder).

By spatial position

Each type of electrode is designed to work in a specific position. In our example, this rod for working in any position except vertical is designated by the number “2”. There is also a number “1” (fully universal), “3” (for working horizontally on a vertical plane) and “4” (for lower corner joints). These numbers correspond to international standards and most of both domestic and foreign materials are marked with them.

According to the characteristics of welding current

Sometimes this marking is not present, but we have added it to our example. This is the number “0”, it means that such electrodes can only operate on direct current, with reverse polarity set.

Special markings

You may have noticed that we missed the letter "E" when we talked about the index group. This is a special marking; it means that this is a coated consumable electrode. This is also an international designation.

Transcript example

To consolidate, let's look at the decoding of the brand of electrodes using the example of ANO-21.

1: Type of electrode (E46, suitable for low-alloy steels with low tensile strength). 2: Brand (ANO-21, respectively). 3: Diameter (in our case, 2.5 millimeters).

4: Purpose (letter “U” means for carbon or low-alloy steel), etc.

We deliberately did not finish deciphering the markings so that you could do it yourself. Write down the remaining numbers from the photo on a piece of paper and decipher them. Deciphering the electrode markings seems so complicated only at first glance; in fact, it’s enough to do it yourself once to understand the whole point. You can take several different electrode packages and write out the entire transcript yourself to practice.

Instead of a conclusion

Now you know what the letter and number in the marking of electrode types mean.
For beginners, marking electrodes for welding often seems confusing and incomprehensible, but we hope that we were able to explain everything in detail. With markings, the choice of electrodes for manual arc welding is greatly simplified. Just by seeing the name, you will immediately recognize all the characteristics of the electrode. Leave your comments and share this article on social networks. Good luck! 

Source: http://home.nov.ru/vsyo-o-markirovke-elektrodov/

Electrode markings - complete information

Each electrode model has its own marking. It indicates the characteristics of the rods. You can find out almost everything, from the name of the plant to the chemical composition. Knowing how the electrode markings are deciphered, you can easily select the necessary consumables that are ideal for the upcoming work.

What parameters are encrypted in the marking?

The set of numbers and letters that can be seen on the package with rods encrypts all the information about their parameters and purpose. Here are the characteristics indicated on the label:

• type - designation of the tensile strength value (E46, E50, E60, etc.)
• brand - short name of the manufacturer;
• diameter - designation of the diameter of the rod;
• purpose - type of work for which electrodes can be used;
• coating thickness - designation of coating (there are 4 types);
• index - metal parameters (several parameters are shown here - impact strength, thickness, etc.);
• coating - designation of the type of coating applied to the electrode core (rutile, acidic, cellulose, basic);
• position - in what positions the electrodes can be used;
• welding current - current values ​​​​required for work;

In addition to the above parameters, other characteristics may be included in the marking. For example, the packaging may indicate that the product is fragile or should be protected from dampness.

To make it easier to understand, let's look at the parameters and their designation using an example.

Conclusion

The marking of welding electrodes contains a lot of information. If you know how the letters and numbers in it are deciphered, you can fully determine the type of electrode, its purpose and technical parameters.

A unified classification and common standards make it possible to bring the markings of various rods to the same type. This greatly simplifies the selection of the necessary consumables and saves time.

In practice, deciphering the code may rarely be useful. Since welders, even with little experience, know very well what electrodes they need. Nevertheless, knowing exactly what you are buying and how it can be used will never be superfluous.

Source: http://instrument-blog.ru/svarka/markirovka-elektrodov-polnaya-informatsiya.html

Characteristics of electrodes UONI 13/55

UONI 13 55 electrodes are one of the most common and frequently used consumables for welding work. With their help, you can weld various grades of carbon and low-alloy steels, creating high-quality and durable joints.

But what characteristics do electrodes with this marking have and how to use them? More on this later in our article.

UONI 13/55 electrodes have the following technical characteristics. They belong to the class of coated consumables. Their operating principle is based on melting the metal of the workpieces and the rod itself, which allows the workpieces to be connected.

Such consumables consist of a rod, which includes various alloying elements (nickel, magnesium, chromium and others), as well as a coating covering it.

The coating on the rod serves as an additional additive and provides the weld pool with the necessary protection from atmospheric air.

Air, as we know, consists of oxygen and other gases. Once in the weld pool, it reacts with the melt. The result of such reactions is the formation of oxides, the seam will be more susceptible to corrosion and rapid destruction.

The abbreviation SSNI 13 means that this is the universal coating of the scientific research institute number 13.

The coating of such electrodes is basic, suitable for welding steel with a low percentage of alloying elements, as well as carbon steel. These consumables are used to create important critical and load-bearing structures.

The consumption per 1 kilogram of deposited metal is 1.7 kg. When melting, the material of the rods is moderately fluid. They can be used in welding at temperatures from ˗60 to + 40 degrees.

Decoding the marking of the electrode UONI 13/55

When purchasing, you can use the markings on the packaging to understand what kind of consumables are offered to you and what properties they have.

Electrodes UONI 13 55 are deciphered as follows. For example, what does the designation E50A-UONI-13/55-4.0-UD mean?

The letter "E" is short for what you see as an electrode for use with manual arc welding equipment. The numbers following it indicate the tensile strength of the resulting joint.

The abbreviation in the form of the letter “A” characterizes the seam as more plastic and resistant to impact loads.

The diameter (number) of the electrode is indicated after the numbers 13/55. That is, a value of 4.0 indicates the presence of a fourth number.

The letter “U” determines the possible applications of this brand of electrodes - for carbon steel. Depending on the purpose, there may be brands such as

L - for steel with alloyed elements.

T - used when welding steels with heat-resistant properties.

B - electrodes for welding work on high-alloy steel grades.

N - Use for surfacing during repair work.

The last letter “D” in the abbreviation means the ratio of the coating and the diameter of the rod. D is a thick layer of coating. A thin coating is marked with the letter “M”, a medium one with “C”, and a very thick coating with “G”.

There are other abbreviations according to the international classification that describe the physical properties of the resulting seams.

Different rods are numbered and differ in length. The larger the diameter, the longer the electrode itself. With a thickness of 2 millimeters, this is 300 mm, and the four or five have a rod of 450 mm.

The advantage of consumables labeled UONI 13/55 is that they can be used for all types of seams: horizontal, vertical and ceiling.

What are the features of using this type of consumables in welding work and what modes of welding equipment are suitable for them?

The advantage of the UONI 13/55 electrode

Technological features for use differ from other types of welding consumables.

The main coating of the rod involves setting the DC mode with reverse polarity (minus to the holder cable, plus to ground).

Using UONI electrodes, it is advisable to pre-heat them in an induction furnace with a temperature of 250-300 degrees.

Before the welding process, the edges of the workpieces and surfaces must be well prepared and cleaned of any types of contamination (corrosion, scale or machine oil).

Joints of rails or reinforcement must be welded in a horizontal position. However, if such an arrangement is not possible, a connection in any location of the seam (vertical or ceiling) is allowed.

To obtain a high-quality connection and to avoid unwelded areas in the body of the seam, you need to set the appropriate current strength. The table shows the main indicators of current strength, which it is advisable to set depending on the spatial position of the seams.

What can you add to the material in this article? Share your experience of using UONI welding consumables in your home workshop, how effective are they? Leave your comments in the discussion block. In construction and in the home workshop, such electrodes are perfect for creating various types of connections.

However, in domestic conditions it is somewhat difficult to use UONI 13/55 consumables, since it is very difficult to organize their calcination at the required temperatures.

In other cases, their use is indispensable, the welds are of high quality, they can be applied when repairing tanks, various sealed containers or pipelines.

Source: https://promsnabservisnk.ru/publ/2-1-0-38

Marking of electrodes: what it means, what kind it is, how it is correctly deciphered

Why is it necessary to mark electrodes? How to decipher those numbers and letters that are the markings of the electrode. These are the most common questions about this.

In these materials we want to tell you a little about how to understand the encryption that is present on the electrodes. You will be able to understand the nuances of the markings and what knowledge you need to have in order to understand them correctly.

But first of all, you need to understand what this marking is. The marking of electrodes for welding is a certain number and sequence of alphabetic and digital characters; they contain information about certain features of the electrode rod.

Any sign carries certain information.

The information that is placed on the electrode corresponds to a number of characteristics on which the choice when purchasing depends. This classification of electrodes is the same for alternating and direct current.

Of course, all electrodes have separation and it occurs according to a large number of signs; during the course of the article we will try to tell you the nuances of marking.

How is the type indicated in the labeling?

The first few license plates and letters that are located on the electrode label carry information about the type of rod. In the example that you can see above, the encryption is E-50-A.

It is worth knowing that an electrode with such rods will be good for low-alloy or alloyed strong steel. The coding of electrodes for welding contains the following designations.

• Sign e. This sign on the electrode indicates the arc type of welding. The license plate, in our example, is the number 50. This is the shutter speed limit, and if it is written, for example, “50 kGs per square millimeter.”
• The letter sign A. It conveys information that the connection is flexible and has high impact strength. I think all these designations are very easy and you can simply remember them and keep them in your head. You can just write it down in a notebook and read it several times, and everything will be easy to remember, every letter and license plate.

Next, we will translate our article to other types of electrodes. We hope you will be able to remember the following signs without any problems; if you do not have a strong memory, then just write it down in a notebook. These cheat sheets will help you in the next steps.

Let's get started, in order to weld steel with low-alloy and carbon characteristics, you will need electrodes with rods E-38, E-150, E-42, E-100, E-46, E-85, E-50, E-70, E-42A, E-60, E-46A, E-55, E-50.

Remember that the letter sign E contains information about the tensile strength; if the steel is very strong, then the value of this letter should be large.

When you have to work with steel that is resistant to temperatures, you should use such electrodes. E-10-Kh-5MF, E09-M, E10-KhZ-M1 - BF, E09MH, E09-Kh1MF, E05Kh2M.

And if you have to work with low-alloy metals, which have some special features about working with them, you are offered a lot of varieties of electrodes, of course there are those that have gained the greatest popularity, such as: E12X13, E12X11NVMF, E06X13N, E12X11NMF.

If you need to make another ball on top, you need to be careful, because such a connection has some nuances, so it is recommended to use electrodes E30G2ХМ, E10G2, E16G2ХМ, E12G4, E12G4, E15G5, and these are only the most popular electrodes, and besides them there are more than forty species.

We were able to understand the types, but this is only a small part of what we need to know; there are still a lot of signs for separating and classifying electrodes according to a large number of features.

Separation depending on brand

The series of letters that you will encounter next should not be confused with what the marking is, because this is the brand of the electrode. The origin of the brand may be different, for example it is established according to GOST, but it can also be invented by the electrode manufacturer himself.

This is the situation with the electrode manufacturer ESAB, which produces a brand of approx. It may not be strange, but for one rod a couple of three manufacturers may be suitable at once.

This is a very broad topic that deserves to be discussed separately.

Depending on the diameter

The information that is written next is the diameter of the rod itself, its unit of measurement is usually in millimeters. What diameter you need directly depends on the size of the metal that is to be welded.

If the metal is thick, then you will need a large rod diameter. In the marking example we gave, this value is equal to five millimeters.

Depending on the purpose

Of course, different electrodes have different purposes and one of the divisions depends on the metal with which the work will be carried out.

In the marking example we have given, this indicator is denoted by the letter U; this sign carries information that low-alloy metals are subject to welding, the tensile strength of which is from six hundred kgf per square millimeter.

But if steel has a higher tensile strength, then you need to use electrodes marked with the letter L. If you are working with metal that is resistant to high temperatures, then look for electrodes with the letter T.

And if when working with steel there are many nuances and they are difficult to work with, then the marking sign B is written. And if you are looking for a rod, in order to guide it, then N should be written on the package.

Depending on the coating thickness coefficient

Next comes the parameter of spraying thickness or also uses the term coating. In the example we gave, this letter sign D-on indicates a large coverage.

But you can also find other markings on welding electrodes, such as m - this is thin or light coating, the sign C indicates an average level of thickness, and the sign G has information about very thick coating.

Based on index groups

This parameter in encryption is one of the most incomprehensible and confusing for beginners. There, digital designations have several indicators at once, so it can be understood partially, but not completely.

These groups of indexes are always written on the labels of electrodes for welding metals.

They are most used on those electrodes that specialize in high-alloy steel, these parameters should clarify the picture a little for a beginner.

So, let's start analyzing the example that we gave you, assign the meaning of the marking to each sign and everything will be clear.

In our example, the number five talks about how resistant this seam will be to corrosion. Next we have the digital sign 1 - this is the highest temperature, which guarantees that the seam will be durable at high temperatures.

The number four tells us what the operating temperature is for a given seam.

And if that same number four is taken in brackets, then this speaks about the amount of ferrite phase in this compound. If each value has a maximum value, the larger the number will be.

See below for a diagram describing the metals and connections for welding high-alloy steel, read and try to remember what each sign represents.

The writing of designations for those electrodes that will change during surfacing may be slightly different; they often have two parts, while the usual ones consist of 4-5 numbers, which we have already written about.

But if this is an electrode for surfacing, then another group of three characters is added to the standard number of marking symbols; they are most often written with a dash and separated from the main ones by a line.

For example E200/31-2. The number 31 indicates the hardness of the steel, which needs to be directed from above. And the number 2, for example, indicates that the hardness of the rod will be required regardless of the influence of temperature.

But the number one says that hardness will be necessary only after the influence of the degree.

Depending on what kind of coverage

These indicators are written last when marking. They, like most all indicators, are indicated using alphabetic symbols. In our example, we used the letter B. This indicates that the coating is basic.

But in fact, there are a lot of such coatings, there are cellulose ones, which are designated as C, rutile ones, which are designated by the letter P, and acidic ones, which are designated by the letter K, and others, which are designated by the letter P.

It is also possible to combine the marking letters for example CR, this indicates that the coating is cellulose-rutile.

It is also possible that the composition may contain iron pollen, in which case the manufacturer adds the letter Z to the labeling.

For example, if you see a marking with the letters reinforced concrete, this indicates that the coating is basic and contains powder pollen.

Based on placement in space

It depends on this which electrode you need to use if you are in one position or another.

In our marking example, we provided a rod that is suitable for any work, but is not suitable only for a vertical position. Such a rod is indicated by the digital sign 2.

Of course, there is also the number 1 - such a rod is one hundred percent universal. There is a number 3 - it will be useful to you if you work in a vertical or horizontal plane. And the number 4 is applicable for those corner connections that are located below.

All these digital markings fully comply with international standards, so the marking will be the same on both foreign and domestic electrodes.

Depending on what welding current

This is not a mandatory marking, so you may not see it on many electrodes, but for the sake of correctness, we have included it in our example.

For us, this is the digital sign 0, it means that you can use such electrodes only if the current is constant. In this case, the polarity must be reversed.

Non-standard markings

You probably noticed that we didn’t say anything about the letter E when we talked about groups of marking indexes.

So she says that the electrode melts and has a coating. This is also a marking that is international.

An example of how to decipher a marking

In order not to forget anything, let’s go through the markings again using the example of ANO21

1. Type of electrode (E-46, this type is used when welding low-alloy steel, which does not have a high strength limit.
2. The brand itself, as previously written by ANO21
3. The diameter is 2.5 millimeters
4. Where it can be used, the letter U indicates that it can be used for carbon or low-alloy steel.

Of course, the decoding is not finished - this will be your homework. Take a notepad and write everything down, take your time step by step and check everything well.

Of course, at first decoding the markings may seem complicated and incomprehensible, but this is not so, you just need to practice a couple of times and you will already be well oriented. Take a lot of different packs and practice on them by writing them down in a notebook.

Bottom line

You have read our article and already know how marking works. Of course, if you are just starting your journey in this area, it may seem to you that everything is complicated and you will never understand it.

But we tried very hard to make everything as clear as possible for you.

And when it comes to electrodes for arc welding, everything is even simpler, only the name says so, so you see it on the counter and just put it in your cart.

Write your comments and show our article to everyone who is interested in this topic. Thank you for your attention.

Source: https://prosvarku.info/elektrody/markirovka-ehlektrodov

Brands of electrodes for manual arc surfacing and welding: their types, markings and its interpretation

When choosing electrodes for welding, you should pay special attention to the markings. The fact is that it contains the most important information about the electrodes being purchased, including the manufacturer, composition and other characteristics.

If you focus on this information, then the task of choosing the most suitable material that will provide a high-quality result when working under certain conditions with the metals and alloys planned for joining is simplified.

To do this, before making a decision, you must carefully study the signs that are located on the packaging.

Electrode welding

Electrodes are used as the main consumable material for manual arc welding, which is most often used to weld metals today. In their design, they look like a metal rod or a product made from another material, which may or may not have a coating. One end of the rod must be coated. It is this side that is placed in the electrical holder.

During welding work, an electric arc is formed in the area formed by the end of the electrode and the surface being processed. The process of joining surfaces using welding equipment takes place under conditions of elevated temperatures, while the substances used for melting are subject to too intense interaction with each other.

Advantages of electrodes

Electrodes are the most preferred welding consumable for the following reasons:

• their use allows you to create an even weld that does not have pores and is devoid of uncooked areas.
• igniting the arc does not require much effort. There are also no problems with maintaining it.
• the use of electrodes allows you to create a uniform slag-based coating, which can be removed without much effort after completing welding work.

Main purpose and composition of welding electrodes

In its design, the electrode has the form of a rod made of metal or other material, thanks to which the current reaches the workpiece being welded. For this reason, the material being processed must have high electrical conductivity. Most often, such structures are made on the basis of wire and alloys with different levels of alloying.

To give the product the required characteristics, it has a special coating. Thanks to it, the electrode perfectly withstands the effects of gases , primarily nitrogen and oxygen, and also helps maintain the stability of the arc and combat harmful impurities contained in the molten metal. The benefit of the coating is that the metal or alloy used for welding is enriched with the necessary alloying elements.

In general, it can be noted that in order to provide the electrode with the necessary properties, certain components must be present in the coating composition.

An important role is played by slag-forming substances, for example, chalk, marble, which provide high protection against the negative effects of nitrogen and oxygen, the harm of which lies in the effects of oxidative processes. You can rid the molten metal of oxygen using substances such as ferroalloys of titanium, manganese, aluminum and silicon. The latter represent a group of deoxidizing substances, due to which the required result is ensured.

To create a protective gas environment, special gas-forming components are used , the most prominent representatives of which are wood flour and dextrin. The task of giving the seam exceptional characteristics in terms of resistance to wear and not being affected by corrosion is solved by introducing special alloying additives into the composition.

The list of these components is quite large, so we will present only a few of them: chromium, titanium, nickel, vanadium, etc. The group of stabilizing substances consists of potassium, sodium and calcium. Their main effect is to ensure ionization of the welding arc. To create a reliable connection between each coating component and the electrode rod, it is necessary to use special binders , most often silicate glue is used.

Marking of electrodes for welding and requirements for them

The classification of electrodes implies their division into two types:

The first group includes products made from materials such as steel, copper, cast iron and bronze. A distinctive feature is the presence of additional coverage.

A special group is formed by consumable uncoated elements, but they are most widely used as wire for welding structures carried out in a shielding gas environment.

The category of non-consumable type of electrodes for welding includes products created on the basis of materials such as tungsten, thorium and lanthanum.

Another sign of the classification of welding electrodes can be the type of coating. Products that have the letter A in their markings belong to the class of products with an acid coating.

such electrodes for welding to join steels characterized by a high concentration of carbon and sulfur. If we talk about spatial position, there are no restrictions here.

The exception here is vertical placement, when the electrode is brought from top to bottom. The most frequently detected defects are the appearance of strong splashes and the risk of cracking of the seam.

The letter B is used to designate the base coating. Welding electrodes with such markings should not be used for welding in a vertical position. The same applies to those products that have a rutile coating, which is indicated by the letter P. If the marking contains the letter C, then this is a hint about the use of cellulose coating. Such electrodes retain their performance characteristics in any position.

If we talk about their disadvantages, then this includes the formation of strong splashes and the risk of overheating , which is why they require special attention during operation. The last group of electrodes consists of products marked AC and RB. They are a combined option that is used to connect pipelines and structures for various purposes. When working with them, you should remember that they must not be placed in a ceiling position.

Having become familiar with the features of these elements and their design, you can move on to the requirements that they must meet.

For example, for any welding electrode it is important to create favorable conditions under which the arc will burn stably, which in turn will ensure uniform melting of the metal. In addition to this, the seam being created must meet the requirement for its chemical composition.

The latter may include various components, which is determined by the operating conditions of the part and the composition of the metal products that need to be connected.

Decoding the marking of electrodes for welding

It's time to get acquainted in more detail with what information the marking of welding electrodes hides. It always starts with characters that match the type containing the load limit hint. Let's say E46 says that for the parts being welded the maximum load is 46 kg/mm2. It is followed by a mark informing about the manufacturer, and after it there is information about the thickness and purpose:

• the presence of the letter Y in the marking indicates that the electrode in question is suitable for welding products made from low-alloy and carbon steels;
• markings that contain the letter L indicate that these electrodes can be used to connect alloyed structural alloys;
• if the task is to connect structures made on the basis of heat-resistant or high-alloy steels, the electrode used for welding must have the designations T and B;
• possible to perform high-quality surfacing of a layer, which must have exceptional properties , provided that the electrode used is marked in the form of the letter H.

Thickness, diameter, current

The marking also gives a hint about the thickness of the coating, for which it provides the following symbols:

• M - means thin coating;
• C - medium coverage;
• D - it corresponds to a thick coating;
• G - indicates the presence of a coating of maximum thickness.

Further in the marking information about the diameter is provided. Sometimes it may not contain numerical designations; this information can only be provided in the form of an icon. In this case, it is necessary to conclude that the necessary data is provided on the print.

The next symbols are the index and its value, by which you can understand the characteristics of the metal. We are talking about properties such as elongation, impact strength and tensile strength.

To obtain more accurate information about these parameters, you must refer to GOST 9467–75.

At the very end there is information about the type of coating discussed above. From the last two digits you can understand what spatial position is provided for a specific brand of electrode and what the recommended operating current should be.

If the number 1 is present there, then the selected electrode is suitable for work in any position. 2 indicates no restrictions other than top-down position.

Sometimes the penultimate number is 3, which suggests that this electrode should not be placed in a ceiling orientation. The presence of the number 4 indicates that the product is intended for making bottom seams , as well as boat bottom seams.

The last digit, which indicates the recommended current, may include the following indicators:

• 1, 4, 7 - indicates no restrictions;
• 2, 5, 8 - applies to currents with direct and other types of polarity;
• 3, 6, 9 - stipulates that the current must have reverse polarity.

How to use markings to find out the purpose of welding electrodes?

When welding metal parts, welding electrodes are used, the markings and purpose of which are given on the packaging. Before starting work, you should check the compatibility of the material being joined and the composition of the rods, as this directly affects the quality of the connection. It is important to correctly understand the information encrypted in letter-numeric notations about the chemical composition of the coating and the purpose of the consumable.

Purpose, characteristics

Electrodes are the most important elements used in electric arc welding. Their main purpose is to supply current to the welding zone . A huge number of electrodes are produced, divided into types and brands, each of which has its own narrow area of ​​application.

When using electrodes, the following conditions must be met:

• stable arc (or welding flame), ensuring the creation of a high-quality seam;
• uniform melting of the base and coating;
• ensuring the required chemical composition of steel in the formed weld;
• arc welding efficiency while minimizing metal dispersion;
• ease of slag separation;
• minimal toxicity of rods when performing work;
• saving chemical, physical and technical parameters.

How are they arranged?

To produce consumables, special wire or rods are used as a conductor, while the composition of the metal determines the characteristics of the product . There are also elements consisting of one wire, without coating. Such consumables are called uncoated - these include tungsten. If the wire is coated with coating, then such elements are called coated.

There are the following types of coating material:

• sour;
• main;
• cellulose;
• rutile;
• combined.
• special.

According to its purpose, coating is divided into two types:

• protective (thick-layer products);
• ionizing (thin-layer).

How is the type of electrode coating related to their welding and technological properties?

The technological parameters of the materials largely depend on the type of coating:

• placement in space;
• efficiency;
• welding current value;
• scar porosity;
• crack resistance;
• presence of hydrogen in the rumen.

Acid coating

The main elements of such coating are manganese, iron oxides, and silicon. Electrodes OZCh-2, SM-5 belong to the group of these products.

Basics

The coating (electrodes TMU-21, DSK-50, etc.) is formed by carbonates and fluorine elements. The chemical composition of the rumen is like that of calm steel . The low presence of organic materials, gases and other additives determines the increased viscosity of the seam line, flexibility, and resistance to cracking.

But rods with basic coating, for example, surfacing electrodes OZN-6, are significantly inferior in terms of existing properties to other types due to existing disadvantages. As an example, with excessive humidity and working with a long arc, there is a high probability of pores forming. Such rods should only be cooked using a direct current apparatus with reverse polarity, and the elements themselves must be calcined before work.

Rutile

Rods with rutile coating (for example, electrodes LEZ MR-3S, ANO-4, OZS-4) in terms of technological and technical parameters leave other brands far behind.

When using alternating current, the formed arc from MGM-50K electrodes is much more stable and powerful . The same applies to MP 4 mm electrodes, which are characterized by insignificant spread of boiling metal and allow you to create a high-quality seam with an easily removable slag crust.

The negative point of using such rods is the low impact strength and low flexibility of the weld, due to the presence of silicon oxide.

Pulp

Electrode rods coated with chemical cellulose in accordance with GOST 9466-75 include organic ingredients in a volume of up to 50% (VSC-1,2, OMA-2). The resulting metal in chemical composition corresponds to semi-quiet or calm steel

Mixed

The use of rods with a mixed coating (for example, MNCh-2 electrodes ) allows you to combine and combine the best parameters from different types of coatings. Combined coatings include:

• cellulose-rutile;
• rutile-basic;
• rutile acid, etc.

Special

Rods with a special coating are designed for connecting special alloys or different types of elements from various alloys . A prominent representative is the Komsomolets-100 electrode, used for copper parts and alloys, connecting them to steel.

Brand

The letter and digital designations further present in the marking of the electrode are its brand . It is established by a standard or patented by the manufacturer. At the same time, the same consumable can belong to several brands.

Diameter

Decoding the electrodes using the following numbers indicates the cross-section of the rod in mm . According to this indicator, selection is carried out in accordance with the thickness of the metal of the product. For our case, this is the number “5”.

Purpose

Electrode consumables are also intended for joining or surfacing certain types of metal. In the above designation, the letter “U” indicates the use of the product for welding low-alloy steel grades , the strength of which is up to 60 kgf/cm2.

If you need to weld steels with a higher strength parameter, you need to use consumables with the letter “L”. To connect heat-resistant steels, rods with the index “T” are used; for special steels, elements with the letter “B” are used.

Coating thickness coefficient

The following symbols in the marking indicate the thickness of the coating. The letter “D” in the example above means thick coating . In addition to “D”, elements are also available with coating thickness:

• thin - T;
• medium – C;
• very fat - G.

Which rod to choose depends on the method of work and the thickness of the metal.

Index group

Classification according to this principle is considered the most complex, since it takes into account several parameters simultaneously. Indexes are always indicated on the packaging of consumables used for working with high-alloy steel.

In the example, each of the numbers means:

• 5 – resistance of the formed seam to corrosion processes.
• 1 – heat resistance of the rumen at the prescribed temperature.
• 4 – highest operating temperature of the rumen. If there are brackets, the amount of ferrite in the seam.

The table shows the parameters of scar metal when welding high-alloy elements.

The conditional classification of surfacing rods may include two groups of indices . To the previously described index, 3 more digits are added, separated by a fraction from the first index and given with a hyphen.

Coverage type

Final designations in marking.

In addition to the above types of coatings, electrode consumables are also produced without coating, for example, warm-up ones, which are not used for work using inverters or other welding units.

The electrode for heating concrete VR-4 is a “bare” rod 3 meters long, used to heat the thickness of the solution when performing winter concrete work.

Spatial position

Any type of rod is used only for welding in the appropriate location. In the example under consideration, a rod is presented that is used for connection in any position, but not in a vertical position - number 2 .

Products are produced with other numbers in the designation:

• 1 – universal use;
• 3 – for horizontal or vertical use;
• 4 – for connections located below.

The numbers are accepted in accordance with internationally accepted standards ; they are also present on the packaging of imported products.

Welding current characteristics

Not all packages contain such symbols. In the example, the number “0” is given, indicating that the welder can only use these rods on direct current with reverse polarity.

Electrode marking designations for manual arc welding

When welding metals, their compatibility with the composition of the welded rods is determined by the marking of the electrodes, which is necessarily applied to the packaging. The more accurately the materials are selected according to the elements, the stronger the connection will be. It is important to be able to correctly read the information encrypted in alphanumeric notations, which contains information about the purpose and chemical composition of the electrodes and their coating.

Methods of welding metals

The most common option for joining metal parts is arc welding, when bonding occurs due to melting under the influence of the high temperature of an electric arc. Based on the type of equipment used, process conditions, and other technical characteristics, the following types of methods are distinguished:

• degree of mechanization of arc welding production - manual and automatic;
• the nature of the enclosure of the joining place: submerged, in protective gas, in the open air;
• type of electric current - alternating or direct;
• equipment: transformers and welding inverters;
• type of gas used for protection;
• polarity - reverse or direct;
• type of electrodes for welding: melting, non-burning and others.

The connection using the manual arc method is carried out using rods of different types and is carried out under a submerged arc and protective gas. The peculiarity of the method is that the welder monitors the quality of the weld as he works and has the ability to change the parameters: current value, arc length and other component factors.

Types of rods for manual welding

Electrodes for arc welding are divided into consumable and non-combustible. The first ones are made of steel, cast iron, copper - depending on the metals being connected, and are used as a cathode or anode, a filler material.

The consumable electrode consists of an inner rod, the structure of which is determined by the properties of the metals being welded, and an outer shell.

The electrode coating (there are types without it) is multifunctional: holding the arc, adding the necessary chemical elements to the alloy for deoxidation and alloying of the metal, forming a gas cloud that protects the seam from oxidation.

Source: https://pochini.guru/sovety-mastera/oboznacheniya-elektrodov

Welding electrodes: marking and purpose, explanation of brands and designations

When working with manual electric arc welding machines, every specialist encounters electrodes. An important point in this topic is knowing what welding electrodes are, their markings and purpose. This detail is somewhat difficult to study, so a special classification was invented.

Today, elements can be selected for any occasion, taking into account when choosing - the metal to be welded, material, type of structure, necessary features of the seam and other additional parameters. Below you can find out the exact explanation of all electrodes, their purpose, designation and properties.

Types of electrodes

To qualitatively and firmly connect several structures made of metal or alloy, welding equipment is used. One of the important parts in every instrument is the electrode. It is necessary to know the designation of electrodes for welding so that the final weld is of high quality and as reliable as possible.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRw4fSK7aIA

For a more detailed and accessible understanding and study, types and brands of electrodes are used. One of the most popular questions among most welders is how electrode brands are deciphered.

The part is used in works where manual arc welding is present.

The classification of such elements contains two groups:

• melting elements;
• non-melting.

Features of electrode marking.

In addition, melting parts have their own division into:

One of the main and very pressing issues for any welder who will have to work with MR electrodes is their designation. First of all, it is worth noting that the rods melted by the welding machine must be cast iron, steel, copper or made of another material.

They act as an anode or cathode, with the function of a filler material.

The protected surface of the consumable electrode rods is multifunctional, this includes retaining the arc axis and creating a cloud of gases, which prevents the seam from oxidizing.

Non-consumable parts are produced using a refractory material, for example, graphite, coal or tungsten. With their help you can ignite or hold an arc. The seam is filled using an additive applied manually.

What does a consumable electrode consist of?

As already mentioned, welding parts are divided into consumable and non-consumable. In the first case, a pack of such parts has an inner core and an outer layer. According to the requirements of State Standards, in the production of this type of welding parts, it is necessary to use materials with carbon and varying amounts of impurities.

Tungsten electrodes for welding.

In addition, copper, various non-ferrous alloys, and aluminum can be used. Several parts to be welded must be made of the same material. In rare cases, it is possible to weld cast iron products with steel and copper with iron.

All this affects the markings of welding electrodes. Decoding the electrode helps the specialist select the right part for the equipment so that the resulting work is of high quality and sufficiently reliable.

The core, together with the outer layer, is produced taking into account the metal being welded, since its composition changes during the process. The brand of electrodes allows you to figure out which part needs to be selected for one or another case.

The parts in question can help hold the arc, help melt the mineral component of the surface, produce a protective gas resulting from the combustion of natural components of the surface, and also oxidize or alloy the metal.

Classification of coated electrodes

Due to the large number of electrode designations for manual arc welding, a special brand of electrodes was created, which contains the number, designation and purpose of the part. Markings help you quickly find the right type of rod.

How to decipher the designations of electrodes, and what characteristics do they share with each other?

Types of electrodes for welding work.

Let's note a few important points:

1. Purpose.
   It depends on the material - an alloy with a small amount of impurity and a carbon alloy, products with a large amount of alloy, an alloy with increased strength, unique characteristics and features, surfacing parts with unique capabilities.
2. View.
   This value refers to a result for which the following is important: durable properties, virtually no likelihood of rupture, temporary or local mechanical impact on the environment.
3. Brand.
   This value is one of the most unique. It is given exclusively by the manufacturer for a more convenient classification of structures at the internal level. This makes it possible to understand why some markings of parts for welding work may be the same in parameters, but different if the manufacturers are different.
4. Thickness.
   Due to the difference between the thickness values ​​and its relationship with the size of the rod in the center, parts are classified according to the outer layer into: thin, small, thick and the thickest.
5. Current.
   Any type of current can be used for SSSI electrodes: direct, alternating, direct, reverse and mixed.
6. Surface composition.
   In this subcategory, welding elements are divided into: basic types, acid, cellulose, rutile, parts where there is an increased concentration of iron and mixed layers with spraying.
7. Seam quality.
   This also includes the condition of the seam after the electrode rods have already been used. Their classification implies the presence of three groups. The best designs with excellent high quality are in the first group. Then it goes on to decrease.
8. Classification of rods depending on access to work.
   In this case, they are divided depending on their position: chaotic, all except vertical and downward, lower and vertical, upward and downward.

Marking of welding electrodes and their interpretation

To understand such an issue as the brand of electrodes, you need to know at least a few of their meanings. Each package contains about 10 primary colors with characteristics in accordance with GOST 9466-75. The marking of electrodes is determined by the types of coated parts to be welded.

Electrodes are deciphered according to parameters. First of all, you need to look at the material: high-strength steel, a large amount of carbon in the material, an increased or decreased percentage of alloy.

In addition, you can decipher the electrodes using a specially designed table, which indicates that the electrode has the symbol “E”. This designation is followed by numbers indicating the highest number of permissible stress when stretching the seam.

After the numbers there should be an indexing value A. It, in turn, shows and denotes the maximum resistance of the seam to overloads that are created under conditions of plasticity or impact. For example, E 52, E 48, E 70, etc.

It is also worth paying attention to heat-resistant and highly alloyed material with a particularly thick coating; it is also designated by the letter “E”, however, more information is added after the number showing what is included in the material.

Each letter corresponds to a specific chemical element from the periodic table. Next to it the quantity is indicated in numbers in the form of a hundredth. The order of chemical elements is arranged in a decreasing direction.

The marking of welding electrodes is also indicated by brands. This is a special value that depends directly on the part manufacturer.

Designations of welding electrodes.

When choosing the necessary element for welding work, you should pay attention to the diameter of the part, that is, the thickness of the internal walls of the part. Its parameters are often 1.5-12 millimeters, but at home no more than 5 millimeters are used.

The next important thing is its purpose. There are parts with carbon steel, a small amount of impurity and a strength of 60 kg/m2. Such parts are indicated by the symbol “U”. Those that have alloyed structural steel and a strength greater than 60 kg/m2 are designated by the letter “L”.

Parts with a low thermal conductivity coefficient are marked with the symbol “T”. The letter “B” denotes materials with a large amount of impurities and individual characteristics, in which the welding process is easier and faster.

The symbol “H” is intended for surfacing layers, also with individual properties.

The designation of surface thickness implies the relationship between the surface and the inner rod. If the value is less than 1, the structure is designated by the letter “M” and is considered thinly coated. The value of the middle layer is 1-1.5 and is indicated using the symbol "C".

Thicker ones have a value of 1.5-2 and are marked “D”. The thickest layer is characterized by a ratio greater than 2 and is marked with the symbol “G”. In addition, the polarity of the electrodes is also indicated in the marking.

The main properties of the seam include the values ​​of the part itself, thanks to which it was welded, strength, what percentage of the impurity is in the composition, the operating temperature of the seam and a large number of additional indicators.

More detailed designations and a complete list of features can be found in specialized tables with the provided transcript.

In addition, a mixed type is distinguished, indicated by several symbols, depending on the content of the substance.

One of the last markings is spatial position:

• any direction;
• any except vertical with a direction towards the bottom;
• bottom with vertical;
• only the bottom one.

The latter is designated from 1 to 4 depending on the direction.