A welded joint is an important part of any mechanical structure or manufacturer, ensuring the safety and strength of the fabricated material. Cast iron, in particular, has been used extensively in the construction and manufacturing industry for some time and continues to be used in a range of applications. It is a popular choice for construction because it is malleable, cheap and robust. As with other materials, welders who work with cast iron require the absolute best welding rods to ensure a strong and dependable weld.
The cast iron welding rod, otherwise known as an iron welding electrode or an iron alloy, is a high-quality welding rod that is specifically designed and manufactured to be used in welding cast iron products. This type of welding rod is available in a variety of shapes and sizes, consisting of a variety of alloys such as steel, nickel, chromium and manganese. Depending on the intended application, there are a range of different cast iron welding rod types and brands.
The most popular cast iron welding rod type is the FCAW (Flux-Cored Arc Welding) rod. This type of welding rod is suitable for use in flat, vertical and overhead positions and is ideal for welding area with restricted access or welding in place. FCAW rods are known for their high-quality welds, typically used for repairs and fabrications.
The Premium Weld E-6013 is a mild steel, all-position cast iron welding rod. It is specifically designed for welding in most positions and provides excellent performance for welding in place. This steel alloy is ideal for general purpose welding on cast iron, mild- and low-alloy steels. It is suitable for lap and fillet welds on sheet and plate and can be used in either spray or short circuit transfer.
The Hobart Cast Iron Welding Rod 7018 is a high-deposition, low-alloy rod with a moderate penetration depth. It is specifically designed for welding on cast iron, but can also be used on other metals such as steel, stainless steel and nickel-based alloys. The rod delivers excellent mechanical properties and can be used in all positions.
The ESAB OK AristoRod 12.62 is an iron casting electrode that is suitable for use in all positions. It is particularly recommended for fillet welds on manual and mechanised fillet welding runs. The rod features a heavy-duty flux that has been designed to ensure excellent performance in all positions and produce a smooth, high-strength weld. The rod offers a good combination of weldability and mechanical properties and can be used for both ferritic and non-ferritic steels.
Finally, the Evercraft 10000 series cast iron welding rod is a low-hydrogen, high-deposition rod for welding on all positions. With its low-hydrogen, high-strength characteristics, it is designed for welding in harsh, high-temperature environments such as power plants and gas turbines.
When selecting the correct cast iron welding rod, it is important to consider the size of the material being welded, the welding position, the position of the welding gun, and the welding current. It is also essential to assess the temperature range of the application in order to select the appropriate electrode.
Welders undertaking repair or fabrication work on cast iron components should always use the highest quality cast iron welding rod to ensure a strong and reliable weld. In addition, the welder must be familiar with the safety protocols and guidelines concerned with welding cast iron and other hazardous materials.
