Welding rod classification and designation
Welding rods, also known as welding electrodes, are used to join two pieces of metal together. They come in different shapes, sizes, types and materials. They also have different levels of flexibility, hardness and heat resistance. In order to understand what type of welding rod is best suited for a particular job, it is important to understand the classification and designation system used to identify welding rods.
There are three main parts to a welding rods designated: the classification, number, and type. The classification indicates the welding rods base metal, the number indicates the rods strength and the type indicates the covering.
Classification
The classification of the welding rod indicates its base metal. The classification of a welding rod is made up of a letter and a number. The letter indicates the alloy family used for the welding rod, while the number indicates the specific type of alloy used. The most common alloy families are carbon steel (E), stainless steel (S) and low-alloy steel (N).
Number
The next part of the welding rod designation is the number. This number indicates the strength or hardness of the welding rod. The bigger the number, the higher strength or hardness of the welding rod. The strength or hardness of the welding rod is dependent on the composition of the base metal alloy and the type of inert coating used to protect it.
Type
The final part of the welding rod designation is the type. This indicates the type of inert coating used to protect the welding rod. Most welding rods use either an acid or a flux coating. The type is indicated by a letter followed by a number, such as S-6 for a flux-coated welding rod or E-7018 for an acid-coated rod.
Conclusion
Welding rods come in a variety of shapes, sizes, types and materials. Understanding the classification and designation of a welding rod is important in order to choose the right welding rod for a particular job. The classification indicates the welding rods base metal, the number indicates the rods strength or hardness and the type indicates the inert coating used to protect the rod.
