Material:Welding Electrodes

MaterialInfoBox Welding Electrodes

Synonyms:	DE: Stabelektroden, Schweißelektroden, Mantelelektroden
On Site?	some
Location:	metal workshop
Suggested Tools:	welding transformer
Used with:	welding helmet
Contains:	core: usually steel; coat: various^[1]

Welding electrodes are the "sticks" in "stick welding".

They are consumed during the welding process as they melt and fill the newly created joint.

Most welding electrodes are not just bare metal but are covered with auxiliary substances that protect the hot weld against rapid oxidation. What isn't released as a gas will stay behind as slag (Schlacke) and can be removed with a slag hammer and wire brushes after it has cooled down. Make sure you wear goggles to protect yourself from sharp pieces!

As you don't want your weld to fail (e.g. rust) earlier than the pieces it connects, select electrodes that are stronger than your material.

Types

Here's a list of electrodes we are sharing in the metal workshop or have experience with (incomplete):

Fincord E5122 RR6
- diameter: 2.5 mm
- length: 350 mm
- coat material: rutile (thick)
- very hot, can burn holes into approx. 1 mm thick steel

Fincord E5122 RR6
- diameter: 2 mm
- length: 250 mm
- coat material: rutile (thick)

(information to further decipher the meaning of the electrode nomenclature according to DIN 1913 can be found here)

"Fincord" electrodes are supposed to be nice for unexperienced welders as they usually don't need to be baked and the slag falls off the weld easily.^[2]

Storage

The electrodes should be stored in sealed containers, ideally with a packet of silica gel.

If they have become wet, they can be dried in a drying oven according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Material:Welding Electrodes

Types

Storage

Further Reading