Choosing the Correct Electrode
{"Image DocumentName": "Choosing the Correct Electrode", "Image ImageDescription": "The electrode should produce a weld metal approximately the same metallurgical properties as the parent metal. Choose one that will provide good arc stability, fast deposition, maximum weld strength, minimum splatter, easy slag removal, and a smooth weld bead. Electrode Diameter. Joint Design. Welding Position. Type of Welding Current. C. Selecting the Correct Electrode. 1. The electrode should produce a weld metal with approximately the same. metallurgical properties as the parent metal. A top quality weld. should be as strong as the parent metal. 2. In selecting the best electrode for a particular welding situation, the aim is to choose one that will provide good arc stability, fast. deposition, maximum weld strength, minimum splatter, easy slag. removal, and a smooth weld bead. To achieve these characteristics. from an electrode, the following factors should be considered: a. Electrode Diameter - Generally, an electrode with a diameter. larger than the thickness of the base material should not be used. If it is done, welding must be done at a very high speed and this. requires considerable skill in order to obtain a sound weld. When. making a vertical or overhead weld, a fast freeze type electrode. with a diameter of 1/8 would normally be used. Regardless of the. base metal size, an electrode diameter of 3/16 is the maximum. size used. Electrode diameter is also determined by joint design. such as a joint with a narrow gap or V-groove base metal plates. When this is a factor, use a small diameter electrode to do the. root pass or the first weld bead. Photo:  b. Joint Design - This is another important factor to consider when choosing an electrode. 1) When welding a joint that is not beveled at the proper angle to allow easy penetration, consider using a deep penetrating, fast freeze electrode, for example, E-6010 or E The opposite of this situation would be an open or poorly fit joint where a good choice of. electrode would be E-6012 or E c. Welding Position - The welding position to be used during the. deposition of the weld metal is a very important factor when. selecting an electrode. Electrodes with a number 1 as their third. digit will give better results in both the flat and the horizontal. positions and a 3 will give good results in the flat position. Electrodes with a 2 or a 3 as their third digit are not. recommended for welding in an overhead position. d. Type of Welding Current - This is another factor to consider when. choosing an electrode. Some electrodes are designed for AC and DC. straight or DC reverse polarity while others are designed to. function properly using either AC or DC current. Information. regarding current is generally written on the outside of the. package and does not have to be figured from the AWS. classification number.", "Image XResolution": "37", "Image YResolution": "37", "Image ResolutionUnit": "Pixels/Centimeter", "Image Software": "SlidePlayer", "Image YCbCrPositioning": "Centered"}