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7. Welding passes. The number of passes is also determined by the type of electrode selected.
Multiple passes require more current than a single pass.
8. Joint position. The position in which joints are welded, especially on multipass, is one of
the important considerations that affect the choice of electrodes. For flat and horizontal
joints, the so-called hot electrodes should be used. Electrodes used for vertical and
overhead work, of course, must produce deposits that will stay in place and not fall out of
the joint while in molten condition. Deposits of this type usually require an electrode no
larger than 3/16 in diameter.
9. Working conditions. Be aware of the working conditions and select an electrode
accordingly. Such factors as high temperature, low temperature, corrosive atmosphere and
impact loading are important in electrode selection.
The 2 most common steel used is Alloy Steel and Stainless Steel and only these 2 types are
discussed here.
SMAW ALLOY STEEL ELECTRODES.
The metal core of these electrodes is made of alloy steel instead of low carbon steel. The electrode
coating is similar to the low hydrogen type. Some may also contain iron powder. They are
designed for welding high strength alloy steel and can deposit welds with a tensile strength in
excess of 100,000 psi. Common applications include the welding of high temperature, high
pressure piping, carbon moly pipng used in high pressure, high temperature steam service, and
plates or casting with a molybdenum content of approximately 0.50percent.
Electrodes in the E70XX series (E7010, E7011, E7013, E7015, E7016, E7020, E7025, E7026 and
E7030) are commonly referred to as low-allow steel electrodes.
The E8010,-11,-13, E9010,-11,-13 and E10010,-11,-13 electrodes also belongs to this group.
SMAW STAINLESS STEEL ELECTRODES.
Stainless Steel electrodes are available with either lime or titanium coatings. The first is used only
with DC electrodes positive (DCEP), the second can be used with both AC and DC electrode
positive (DCEP) current.
The lime coated electrodes produces flat or slightly convex fillet welds. The slag covers the entire
weld, spatter is at a minimum, and the impurities are fluxed from the weld metal. The titania
coated electrode produces slightly concave type welds with a smother and more stable arc than that
found with the lime-coated type.
The numbering identifications systems for stainless steel electrode differs from the one used for
mild steel and low alloy electrodes. The prefixed E indicates an arc welding electrode. The 3-digit
number following the prefixed letter indicates the types of stainless steel (eg 304, 310, 316, etc).
Two more digits follow and are separated from the first three by a hypen. These last two digits
indicate the coating, current polarity, and welding position of each electrode.