A BASIC GUIDE OF ARC WELDING ELECTRODES

INTRODUCTION
There are many different types of electrodes used in the shielded metal arc welding, (SMAW) process. The intent of this guide is to help with the identification and selection of these electrodes.

ELECTRODE IDENTIFICATION
Arc welding electrodes are identified using the A.W.S, (American Welding Society) numbering system and are made in sizes from 1/16 to 5/16. An example would be a welding rod identified as an 1/8" E6011 electrode. The electrode is 1/8" in diameter The "E" stands for arc welding electrode. Next will be either a 4 or 5 digit number stamped on the electrode. The first two numbers of a 4 digit number and the first 3 digits of a 5 digit number indicate the minimum tensile strength (in thousands of pounds per square inch) of the weld that the rod will produce, stress relieved. Examples would be as follows: E60xx would have a tensile strength of 60,000 psi E110XX would be 110,000 psi The next to last digit indicates the position the electrode can be used in. 1. EXX1X is for use in all positions 2. EXX2X is for use in flat and horizontal positions 3. EXX3X is for flat welding The last two digits together, indicate the type of coating on the electrode and the welding current the electrode can be used with. Such as DC straight, (DC -) DC reverse (DC+) or A.C. I won't describe the type of coatings of the various electrodes, but will give examples of the type current each will work with.

ELECTRODES AND CURRENTS USED

EXX10 DC+ (DC reverse or DCRP) electrode positive. EXX11 AC or DC- (DC straight or DCSP) electrode negative. EXX12 AC or DCEXX13 AC, DC- or DC+ EXX14 AC, DC- or DC+ EXX15 DC+ EXX16 AC or DC+

EXX18 AC, DC- or DC+ EXX20 AC ,DC- or DC+ EXX24 AC, DC- or DC+ EXX27 AC, DC- or DC+ EXX28 AC or DC+

CURRENT TYPES
SMAW is performed using either AC or DC current. Since DC current flows in one direction, DC current can be DC straight, (electrode negative) or DC reversed (electrode positive). With DC reversed,(DC+ OR DCRP) the weld penetration will be deep. DC straight (DC- OR DCSP) the weld will have a faster melt off and deposit rate. The weld will have medium penetration. Ac current changes it's polarity 120 times a second by its self and cannot be changed as can DC current.

ELECTRODE SIZE AND AMPS USED

The following will serve as a basic guide of the amp range that can be used for different size electrodes. Note that these ratings can be different between various electrode manufactures for the same size rod. Also the type coating on the electrode could affect the amperage range. When possible, check the manufactures info of the electrode you will be using for their recommended amperage settings.

Arc welding electrode chart Electrode Table ELECTRODE AMP PLATE DIAMETER RANGE (THICKNESS) UP TO 1/16" 20 - 40 3/16" 3/32" 40 - 125 UP TO 1/4" 1/8" 75 - 185 OVER 1/8" 5/32" 105 - 250 OVER 1/4" 3/16" 140 - 305 OVER 3/8" 1/4" 210 - 430 OVER 3/8" 5/16" 275 - 450 OVER 1/2"

Note! The thicker the material to be welded, the higher the current needed and the larger the electrode needed.

SOME ELECTRODE TYPES

This section will briefly describe electrodes that are commonly used for maintenance and repair welding of mild steel. There are many other electrodes available for the welding of other kinds of metals. E6010 This electrode is used for all position welding using DCRP. It produces a deep penetrating weld and works well on dirty, rusted, or painted metals. E6010 [E4310] electrodes (welding rods) are characterized by a deeply penetrating, forceful, spray type arc and readily removable, thin, friable slag which may not seem to completely cover the weld bead. Fillet welds usually have a relatively flat weld face and have a rather coarse, unevenly spaced ripple. The coverings are high in cellulose, usually exceeding 30 percent by weight. The other materials generally used in the covering include titanium dioxide, metallic deoxidizers such as ferromanganese, various types of magnesium or aluminum silicates, and liquid sodium silicate as a binder. Because of their covering composition, these electrodes are generally described as the high-cellulose sodium type. These electrodes are recommended for all welding positions, particularly on multiple pass applications in the vertical and overhead welding positions and where welds of good soundness are required. They frequently are selected for joining pipe and generally are capable of welding in the vertical position with either uphill or downhill progression. E6011 This electrode has the same characteristics of the E6010, but can be used with AC and DC currents. E6011 [E4311] electrodes are created to be combined with ac current and also to duplicate
the usability qualities and mechanical qualities from the E6010 [E4310] classification. Although also functional with dcep (electrode positive), a reduction in joint transmission is going to be noted when in comparison towards the E6010 [E4310] electrodes. Arc action, slag, and fillet weld appearance act like individuals from the E6010 [E4310] electrodes. E6012 [E4312] electrodes are indicated by low penetrating arc and dense slag, which completely covers the bead. This might lead to incomplete root transmission in fillet welded joints. The covers are full of titania, usually exceeding 35 % by weight, in most cases are known to because the titania or rutile type. The covers generally also contain small quantities of cellulose and ferromanganese, as well as other siliceous materials for example feldspar and clay with sodium silicate like a binder. Also, small quantities of certain calcium compounds might be accustomed to produce acceptable arc qualities on dcen (electrode negative).

E6013 This electrode can be used with AC and DC currents. It produces a medium penetrating weld with a superior weld bead appearance. E6013 is a mild-steel, all position, and
general-purpose cellulose-base rod. It operates on AC or DC welding current and works well on low voltage AC machines. E6013 is an excellent choice where there is poor fit-up in the joint. It deposits easily and smoothly producing medium to shallow penetration. Small sizes are well adapted to low heat on thin metals. Medium to heavy slag is easily removed and provides for excellent weld cleaning action during the welding process. E6013 is a great selection for all types of mild steel fabrications or repairs where ease of operation and good bead appearance are required. Typical Applications General-purpose fabrication Metal buildings and structures

Machine parts Shaft buildup Operating Range In Amps 1/16" 25 - 50 5/64" 35 - 60 3/32" 50 - 100 1/8" 80 - 130 5/32" 140 - 180 3/16" 180 230

E7014 is a high-speed iron powder type electrode that can be used on AC or DC welding current. This electrode has smooth arc characteristics, good arc stability, low spatter and produces medium to low penetration. E7014 offers outstanding slag removal and bead appearance. This rod is ideal for jobs that require high deposition and speed of travel. E7018 This electrode is known as a low hydrogen electrode and can be used with AC or DC. The coating on the electrode has a low moisture content that reduces the introduction of hydrogen into the weld. The electrode can produce welds of x-ray quality with medium penetration. (Note, this electrode must be kept dry. If it gets wet, it must be dried in a rod oven before use.)