Linde BOC RAPTOR Operating Manual page 39

Electrodes and Typical Applications
Name
BOC Smootharc 13
BOC Smootharc 24
BOC Smootharc 18
BOC Smootharc S
308L
BOC Smootharc S
316L
BOC Smootharc S
309L
Electrode Size
The size of the electrode is generally dependent
on the thickness of the section being welded, and
the larger the section the larger the electrode
required. In the case of light sheet the electrode
size used is generally slightly larger than the work
being welded. This means that if 1.5 mm sheet is
being welded, 2.0 mm diameter electrode is the
recommended size. The following table gives the
recommended maximum size of electrodes that
may be used for various thicknesses of section.
Recommended Electrode Sizes
Average Thickness of
Plate or Section
≤1.5 mm
1.5–2.0 mm
2.0–5.0 mm
5.0–8.0 mm
≤8.0 mm
AWS
Class. Application
A premium quality electrode for general structural and sheet metal work
E6013 in all positions including vertical down using low carbon steels
An iron powder electrode for high speed welding for H-V fillets and flat
E7024 butt joints. Medium to heavy structural applications in low carbon steels
A premium quality all positional hydrogen controlled electrode for
carbon steels in pressure vessel applications and where high integrity
E7018-1 welding is required and for free-machining steels containing sulphur
E308L
Rutile basic coated low carbon electrodes for welding austenitic stainless
E316L steel and difficult to weld material
Rutile basic coated low carbon electrode for welding mild steel to
E309L stainless steel and difficult to weld material
Max. Recommended
Electrode Dia.
2.0 mm
2.5 mm
3.15 mm
4.0 mm
5.0 mm
Welding Current
Correct current selection for a particular job is an
important factor in arc welding. With the current
set too low, difficulty is experienced in striking and
maintaining a stable arc. The electrode tends to
stick to the work, penetration is poor and beads
with a distinct rounded profile will be deposited.
Excessive current is accompanied by overheating
of the electrode. It will cause undercut, burning
through of the material, and give excessive
spatter. Normal current for a particular job may be
considered as the maximum which can be used
without burning through the work, over-heating
the electrode or producing a rough spattered
surface, i.e. the current in the middle of the range
specified on the electrode package is considered to
be the optimum.
In the case of welding machines with separate
terminals for different size electrodes, ensure
that the welding lead is connected to the correct
terminal for the size electrode being used. When
using machines with adjustable current, set on the
current range specified.
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