What are welding electrodes and its types?

Welding is a process that joins metals by using high heat, pressure or both. The two metals that are joined together are called parent materials while the material used to form the join is called filler or consumable. The filler could be a parent plate or pipe, filler wire, consumable or electrode. Welding electrodes are typically used for arc welding. You can choose to buy welding electrodes from leading welding electrodes suppliers in India that guarantee excellent resistance and high tensile strength. 

What are welding electrodes?

If two parent metals need to be joined, electric current must be generated through an electrode. This kind of welding is called arc welding wherein a welder uses an electrode to conduct electric current through it. An electric arc is created when the welder places the electric tip near the patent metal. The current produces sufficient heat to melt and fuse metals during welding. Welding electrodes suppliers have a wide range of these products that have numerous applications like repairing cutting tools, conveyor screws , dredger components and tip casting. 

Types of welding electrodes

Welding Electrodes Manufacturers have two types of welding electrodes available for sale for welders to choose depending on the process. Consumable electrodes melt to create weld joints whereas non consumable electrodes don’t melt. 

1. Consumable electrodes

Consumable electrodes are easy to use and maintain and largely preferred in MIG (Metal inert gas) welding. Mild steel and nickel steel are the main components used by welding electrodes manufacturers in India to make these consumable electrodes. Consumable electrodes are further classified into bare electrodes and coated electrodes. Bare electrodes don’t have any coating which makes it difficult to manage the arc sometimes. They are useful for welding manganese steel. Coated electrodes are of two types light coated and heavily coated. 

• Light coated electrodes: These have a thin coating on the surface to reduce impurities and improve the quality of weld. The coating facilitates increased consistency in melting of the filler material to create smooth welds. 
• Heavily coated electrodes: These are also called shielded arc electrodes and characterized by three different types of coating like cellulose coating, mineral coating and a combination of both cellulose and minerals. These electrodes are useful to protect the weld zone from impurities and contamination. The electric arc is more stable and the result is clean and durable welds. 

2. Non consumable electrodes

While Welding Electrodes Manufacturers & Suppliers produce different types of consumable electrodes, there are non-consumable ones too that do not melt during welding. They are further categorized into two types called carbon electrode and tungsten electrode. Carbon electrodes are made from carbon graphite and available with or without a coating of copper layer. These are mainly beneficial for cutting and welding. Tungsten electrodes are suitable for light welding jobs. Tungsten electrodes with thorium content offer more resistance and stability than those with pure tungsten. 

Also, Read - Helpful tips for Flux Core Arc Welding

Conclusion 

Before choosing a welding electrode you need to consider factors like joint design, shape, specifications of base metals and welding positions. Diffusion Engineers have cemented its position as a leading manufacturer of welding electrodes over the years with high quality and top resistance products that promise smooth and strong welds.