Types Of Electrodes; Mild Steel; Cast Iron; Stainless Steel - Weldclass Weldforce 202T Operating Instructions Manual

11.5 Types of Electrodes

Arc Welding electrodes are classified into a number of groups depending on their applications. There are a
great number of electrodes used for specialised industrial purposes which are not of particular interest for
everyday general work. These include some low hydrogen types for high tensile steel, cellulose types for
welding large diameter pipes, etc. The range of electrodes dealt with in this publication will cover the vast
majority of applications likely to be encountered; are all easy to use.

11.5.1 Mild Steel

1. General Purpose "GP" E6013 (Weldclass 12V): This all-position electrode is used for
maintenance and fabrication. Works well on mild steel, galvanized steel, sheet metal, steel tube
and RHS. Its soft arc has minimal spatter, moderate penetration and an easy-to-clean slag.
Tolerant to dirty / rusty steel & poor fit up. This is the most common type of electrode used for
Stick welding.
2. Hydrogen Controlled E7016 (Weldclass 16XT): A "low-hydrogen" electrode commonly used for
mild or high strength steel, where the joint requires higher strength than regular "GP" electrodes,
such as highly restrained joints or components subject to higher load stress. Also used as a buffer
layer prior to hard facing. All-Positional (except for vertical down), easy striking & smooth
running, with low spatter & easy slag removal..

11.5.2 Cast Iron

1. Cast Iron Ni-Cl (NCI): Suitable for joining all cast irons (Suitable for mehanite, alloy and malleable
cast iron) except white cast iron. Weld positions : flat, horizontal.

11.5.3 Stainless Steel

1. Stainless Steel 316L: Used for welding common 300 series stainless steels such as 301, 302, 304,
304L and 316L. All welding positions, excluding vertical down. Very Smooth Running and Easy to
use.
2. Universal 312: Weld-all style electrodes for welding almost any steel or stainless-steel, including
dissimilar metals. Weld metal is very crack resistant. Commonly used for repair and maintenance
welding of unknown steels. All welding positions excluding vertical down.

11.6 Suggested Settings for Typical Stick (MMA) Applications

Material Electrode Type
General Purpose
Mild Steel
Weldclass E12V (E6013)
Hydrogen Controlled (High Strength)
Mild Steel
Weldclass 16XT (E7016)
Stainless Steel
Stainless
316L
Steel
Table 7
These settings are a guide only. Actual settings required will depend on plate thickness, operator technique,
environment, etc.
36
Electrode Size
2.6mm
3.2mm
4.0mm
2.5mm
3.2mm
4.0mm
2.6mm
3.2mm
4.0mm
© Weldclass 2020 | E.&O.E.
.
Amperage Range
60 – 100
100 – 140
140 – 190
60 – 110
90 – 140
130 – 190
40 – 70
100 – 150
135 – 180