Covered electrodes
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Frequently asked questions
What do E6013 and E7018 mean?
Under AWS A5.1, the first two or three digits are minimum tensile strength in ksi: 60 is about 430 MPa and 70 about 490 MPa. The next digit indicates position, with 1 meaning all positions. The last two digits together indicate coating type and suitable current.
When is E6013 enough and when is E7018 required?
E6013 has a rutile coating, strikes easily and gives a neat bead, suiting light structures and thin sheet. E7018 is a low-hydrogen electrode giving tougher weld metal, used for load-bearing structures, thick sections and higher-carbon steels. Critical structures or a WPS usually mandate low-hydrogen electrodes.
How should E7018 electrodes be stored?
Low-hydrogen electrodes absorb moisture from the air, and moisture in the coating causes porosity and hydrogen cracking. Once opened, keep them in a holding oven; electrodes that have picked up moisture must be rebaked at the manufacturer's temperature and time. Vacuum-sealed packs extend the time they can stay out of the oven.
How do I choose electrode diameter for material thickness?
2.5 mm electrodes typically suit about 2 to 4 mm sheet, 3.2 mm covers the most common range, and 4.0 mm and up suit thick plate and fill passes. Vertical and overhead welding usually uses a smaller diameter than flat welding. The recommended current for each diameter is printed on the box.
Which electrode is used for stainless steel?
Stainless electrodes are classified under AWS A5.4, for example E308L for 304 and E316L for 316. Joining stainless to carbon steel usually calls for E309L to allow for dilution. The L denotes low carbon, which reduces the risk of intergranular corrosion in the weld zone.
Should electrodes be run on DC+ or DC-?
Most modern steel electrodes such as E7018 run on DC+, with the holder on the positive terminal, giving deeper penetration. E6013 can run on AC or either DC polarity. The correct polarity is printed on the electrode package, and wrong polarity gives an erratic arc and heavy spatter.
What current suits each electrode size?
Each maker prints the current range on the package, and typical values are about 60 to 90 A for 2.5 mm, 90 to 130 A for 3.2 mm and 130 to 180 A for 4.0 mm. Too low a current makes the electrode stick and the weld lack fusion, too high causes undercut and a glowing electrode. Vertical and overhead welds run in the lower half of the range.
Which electrode is used for cast iron?
Cast iron repair commonly uses nickel-based electrodes such as ENi-CI or nickel-iron ENiFe-CI under AWS A5.15, giving a ductile, machinable deposit. Weld short runs, peen the bead while hot to relieve stress, and avoid overheating the part. Oil-soaked cast iron should be heated to burn out the oil before welding.
