Different Types Of Welding Rods

Welding is a multi-faceted career. There are several aspects of welding that a professional or anyone interested in welding should be aware of. This article will teach you everything you need to know about welding rods and their applications.? Let's start with a definition of welding.

Simply said, welding is the process of connecting two materials. Welding is a fabrication method in which two materials are joined by melting them together with heat or pressure. Metals and thermoplastics are the most popular materials for welding, but they can also be used on wood. A weldment is a term for the fully welded joint.

Welding Rods

Welding rods, also known as electrodes, are the welding materials that are melted and infused during operations such as stick welding. To utilize a welding rod, you must first attach it to your welding equipment, which will then create an electric arc between the base metal and the welding rod. Because the electric arc is so intense, it quickly melts the metal, allowing it to be fused for welding.

Types of Welding Rods

Welding rods are of two types: consumable and non-consumable welding rods. Consumable electrodes are incorporated into the weld bond. The electrode acts as filler metal, melting together with the metals to be welded. Non-consumable electrodes, on the other hand, are not consumed during welding since a separate welding rod is used as the filler metal that melts and binds the metals together.

Base material refers to the parts that are linked together. A filler or consumable is the material that is used to construct the joints. These materials are also known as base plates or tubes, flux-cored wire, consumable electrodes (for arc welding), and so on due to their shape.

Welding requires careful electrode selection. Because consumable materials are entirely absorbed throughout the process, it is critical to select a material that is chemically compatible with the metals being welded together. Steel, such as low alloy or nickel steel, is one of the most commonly used materials for consumable electrodes. The type and degree of coating or flux on the electrodes can also be identified, ranging from no flux coating at all to extensively coated varieties.

Non-consumable electrodes, on the other hand, are not consumed during welding and stay intact, therefore the type of electrode material is irrelevant. Carbon or graphite, as well as pure tungsten or tungsten alloys, are common electrode materials.

Different Types Of Welding Rods and Their Applications

Choosing the appropriate welding rod, however, can be challenging due to a large number of options available. As a result, the following are some of the most regularly used welding rods and their characteristics:

1. 6010 Welding Rod

one of the most widely used choices, as it is suited for high power density welds. Welding rods of this type are commonly used for pipes, shipyard welding, steel storage tanks, water towers, and other applications using thick metals. The 6010 welding rods, however, can only be utilized with DC welding machines. Another difficulty is that, because they have a tight arc, beginners may find it difficult to handle these welding rods.

2. 6011 Welding Rod

these welding rods can be used with either AC or DC welding machines, depending on your requirements. However, as with the prior one, these welding rods will provide excellent penetration, which is always a plus. This type of welding rod is appropriate for heavier metals, coated surfaces, and even greasy surfaces. If you like a smooth finish, however, the ripples, weld beads, and rough finish left by this welding rod may disappoint you.

3. 6012 Welding Rod

The amazing thing about 6012 welding rods is that they produce very little splatter and a consistent arc, allowing you to effortlessly weld on both AC and DC welding machines. Unlike 6010 and 6011, however, 6012 cannot be used for thick materials. 6012 welding rods also produce a lot of waste material, forcing you to clean your welds frequently. This welding rod can be used for open joints, repair welding, and welding carbon steel that is rusted and corroded.

4. 6013 Welding Rod

If you want clean results with little splatter, 6013 welding rods are a good option. Even though it produces less splatter, it has moderate penetration, making it suitable for a wide range of applications. Welding metal sheets, ship construction and maintenance, and working on mild steel surfaces and objects are just a few of the applications for the 6013 welding rod. This welding rod, like most other welding rods, can be used with either AC or DC currents, depending on your needs. 

5. 7018 Welding Rod

This welding rod is considered to be one of the most versatile welding rods available. This is best for working with poor to intermediate quality carbon steel. The beads and splatter created by the welding are properly shielded from external elements such as air and moisture present in the 7018 welding rod because it has an iron compound covering that contains a very small quantity of hydrogen. Furthermore, because the 7018 welding rod is suitable for both AC and DC welders, it is employed in factories, bridges, power plants, and a variety of other heavy-duty applications.

6. 7024 Welding Rod

This welding rod contains a large level of iron power, which makes it stand out. As a result, its deposition rate is quite high, making the welding procedure relatively simple, especially for beginners. If your desired application demands a smooth finish, the 7024 welding rod is an excellent option.

How To Choose The Right Welding Rods?

The following are some considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right welding rods or electrodes.

Base Metal

It's critical to match the base metal to the metal you're welding for the best outcomes. This will provide a high-quality, long-lasting weld.

Appearance Of Metal

You can determine the type of base metal you're dealing with by looking at it. It's likely made of cast metal if it's grainy and rough.

Type Of Spark

Another approach to examining your base metal is to run it through a grinder and see the sparks it produces. If there are several sparks, the carbon concentration is likely to be high. You can also use a chisel to smash your base metal, although this can leave marks on lighter metals like aluminum.

Check For Magnetism

You can also test your base metal for magnetism, as magnetic materials include iron, carbon steel, and alloy steel. If it's not magnetic, it's probably genuine stainless steel, brass, copper, aluminum, or something similar.

Strength Of Tensile

You must match the tensile strength of your welding rod to that of the base metal. The weld may crack over time if they are not the same.

Welding Current

Before buying one, make sure your welding current is supported by your welding rods. In most circumstances, a larger welding current, such as 225 amps for 7018, is preferable to 125 amps for 6010. The supported current type (AC or DC) is also something to consider before purchasing a welding rod.

Conclusion

I covered everything there is to know about welding rods, including their varieties and applications, in the hopes of giving you a better understanding of electrodes. All you need for long-lasting professional welding is the proper type of rod that matches the composition of your workpiece.