How to Read the Numbers on a Welding Rod
To read the numbers on a welding rod, the first two numbers indicate the tensile strength in psi, while the third number indicates usability in different positions.
The last number refers to the class of the rod and its specific characteristics, such as flux covering or alloy content.
For example, the E6013 welding rod is commonly used for general-purpose fabrication and repair.
It is a mild-steel, Rutile-based rod that can be used in all four welding positions and with both AC and DC power.
The recommended welding current or amperage depends on the diameter of the electrode, with options ranging from 2.5mm to 5mm for the E6013 rod.
Cleaning the metal before welding is recommended for better penetration, and the E6013 rod is known for its versatility, deep penetration, and smooth and stable arc.
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Did You Know?
1. The numbers on a welding rod represent the tensile strength of the rod, measured in pounds per square inch (PSI). For example, a rod with the number “60” has a tensile strength of 60,000 PSI.
2. If the number on a welding rod starts with “E,” it indicates that the rod is an electrode used for arc welding. However, if the number starts with “R,” it signifies that the rod is a filler material for metal inert gas (MIG) or tungsten inert gas (TIG) welding.
3. The second-to-last digit of the number on a welding rod denotes the position in which the rod can be used. For instance, if the number ends with “1,” it means the rod is suitable for all positions (flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead).
4. A letter following the number on a welding rod signifies the type of coating used on the rod. For example, “B” indicates a rod coated with a high cellulose sodium material, while “L” signifies a low hydrogen coating.
5. The last two digits of the number on a welding rod can indicate the electrode’s performance characteristics. For instance, a rod ending in “05” usually has a high deposition rate and is utilized for high-speed welding, while a rod ending in “09” provides excellent heat transfer capabilities.
Tensile Strength
Welding rods are essential components in welding processes as they provide the filler metal used to create strong and durable weld joints. When looking at a welding rod, understanding the numbers on it is crucial for selecting the appropriate rod for a specific application.
The first two (or sometimes three) numbers on a welding rod indicate its tensile strength in pounds per square inch (psi). Tensile strength refers to the maximum amount of force the rod can withstand before breaking.
For example, a welding rod labeled “6010” indicates a tensile strength of 60,000 psi, while a rod labeled “7018” has a tensile strength of 70,000 psi.
Usability In Different Positions
The usability of a welding rod in different positions is indicated by the third number in the sequence. Welding in various positions, such as flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead, demands specific characteristics from the welding rod in order to achieve the best results. A highly versatile and commonly used welding rod is the “7018,” which is suitable for all positions. It is crucial to comprehend the welding position requirements and select a welding rod accordingly to ensure a successful weld.
Class And Specific Characteristics
The last number in the sequence on a welding rod refers to its class and specific characteristics, particularly the flux covering. The flux covering is a powder coating on the electrode that acts as a shielding gas to protect the weld pool from contamination and impurities. It also helps to stabilize the arc and improve the quality of the weld.
Each class of welding rod has specific characteristics tailored for different applications. Therefore, understanding the class number and its associated characteristics is crucial.
For instance, a welding rod labeled “7018” refers to a low hydrogen, iron powder electrode with excellent weldability and superior strength.
- The last number in the sequence on a welding rod indicates its class and characteristics.
- The flux coating on the electrode acts as a shielding gas.
- The flux covering helps with arc stability and weld quality.
- Different class numbers are tailored for specific applications.
- “7018” is an example of a welding rod with low hydrogen, iron powder, excellent weldability, and superior strength.
Alloy Content
In some cases, the last number on a welding rod can also indicate the alloy content. Alloyed welding rods contain additional elements such as chromium, nickel, or molybdenum, which provide enhanced properties to the weld joint. These elements improve corrosion resistance, strength, and durability, making them suitable for specific applications. It is important to consult the manufacturer’s specifications or a welding handbook to determine the alloy content associated with a particular welding rod.
E6013 Welding Rod For General-Purpose Fabrication And Repair
The E6013 welding rod is widely recognized as a top choice for general-purpose fabrication and repair. Its versatility and ease of use have made it a popular option among professionals and hobbyists alike.
Being a mild-steel rod with a Rutile-based composition, it delivers a stable and consistent arc. This, in turn, ensures precise and reliable welding performance.
The E6013 welding rod finds its application in various scenarios, such as:
- Welding mild steels
- Plate fabrication
- Light-duty structural work
In summary:
The E6013 welding rod is a highly versatile and user-friendly option, widely adopted for its ability to provide a stable and reliable arc. Its applications range from welding mild steels to plate fabrication and light-duty structural work.
Composition Of E6013 Rod
The E6013 welding rod is composed of a flux coating containing ferromanganese, cellulose, rutile, potassium silicate, and other siliceous materials. This specific composition of the flux coating gives the E6013 rod its unique properties and characteristics.
When welding with the E6013 rod, it creates a smooth inside root and has a clean backside slag formation. The combination of these characteristics ensures a high-quality weld with excellent penetration and minimal slag spatter.
Some key points to consider about the E6013 welding rod include:
- Its flux coating composed of ferromanganese, cellulose, rutile, potassium silicate, and other siliceous materials
- Creates a smooth inside root and has a clean backside slag formation
- Produces a high-quality weld with excellent penetration and minimal slag spatter
“Understanding the numbers on a welding rod is essential for selecting the appropriate rod for a specific application.”
“The tensile strength, usability in different positions, class, specific characteristics, and alloy content are all crucial factors to consider.”
“The E6013 welding rod, with its mild-steel, Rutile-based composition, is a versatile option commonly used for general-purpose fabrication and repair.”
“By reading the numbers on a welding rod and understanding its specifications, welders can make informed decisions to achieve optimal results in their welding projects.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 60 or 70 number mean on a welding rod?
The numbers 60 or 70 on a welding rod indicate the tensile strength in kilopounds per square inch (KSI) that the electrode will generate. For instance, the 60 in e6018 represents a tensile strength of 60,000 pounds, while the 70 in e7018 signifies a tensile strength of 70,000 pounds. These digits provide valuable information to welders, helping them choose the appropriate electrode for their specific welding needs based on the required strength of the joint.
What does the 8 mean in e7018?
The “8” in e7018 refers to the low-hydrogen coating on the electrode. This coating helps minimize the presence of hydrogen in the weld, which is essential for creating high-quality welds. Hydrogen can cause cracking and imperfections in the weld, so the low-hydrogen coating ensures a more reliable and durable weld.
Additionally, the “8” also refers to the medium penetration characteristics of the electrode. This means that the electrode provides a balanced depth of penetration, suitable for a wide range of welding applications. It offers enough penetration to create strong welds, but not excessive to avoid excessive heat distortion. Overall, the “8” is a key component of the e7018 stick electrode, contributing to its excellent welding performance and versatility in various welding positions.
What does the number 6013 mean on a welding rod?
The number 6013 on a welding rod signifies important characteristics of the electrode. The “E” in E6013 indicates that it is an electrode. The “60” represents the high tensile strength of almost 60,000 pounds per inch, making it suitable for demanding welding applications. Lastly, the “1” signifies that this welding rod can be used in all four positions: flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead. Overall, the number 6013 provides valuable information about the welding rod’s properties and versatility.
What is a 72 welding rod?
The 72 welding rod is a specialized electrode specifically designed for welding cast iron. Unlike other welding rods, it does not contain any nickel, making it ideal for applications where nickel contamination is a concern. This rod is particularly effective in penetrating deep into the cast iron and sealing any porous areas, ensuring a high-quality weld. After using the 72 rod, the weld can be finished off with the 77 cast iron electrode to complete the process. Overall, this combination of welding rods provides a reliable and durable solution for welding cast iron in various industrial applications.