Arc / Stick Welding Rods

MMA ELECTRODES / STICK WELDING RODS

In manual metal arc (MMA) welding or stick welding, an electric current in the form of DC or AC is generated by the arc welding power source.  An arc is formed between the electrode or rod and the metals to be joined.  This arc creates an intense heat which melts the workpiece metal and creates a molten weld pool.  As the weld is laid, the electrode is consumed and deposits filler metal from the rod itself.  During the process, the rods flux coating disintegrates, giving off a vapour which acts as a shielding gas to the weld pool, protecting it from atmospheric contamination.

We supply a full range of arc welding electrodes / rods at competitive prices.  Here is a summary of some of the most commonly used stick rods used:

6013 – A popular electrode for use with mild steel.  6013 electrodes are rutile coated give a nice smooth arc, low spatter and easy lifting slag to reveal a finely-rippled bead.  It is suitable in all positions.

7018 – A low hydrogen rod with a basic coating.  7018 is designed for welding carbon and carbon-manganese steels with tensile strength and is characterized by very good mechanical properties.  These electrodes are suitable for structural welds in the right hands and provide excellent x ray results.

Ni-Cl – A nickel-cored electrode for welding grey cast iron and for joining cast irons to other ferrous or non-ferrous metals. Leaves an easily-machine-able heat-affected zone.

312 – Where the exact grade of stainless steel is not known, or an application requires welding of stainless to mild steel, a dissimilar electrode can be used.
A rutile coated high Cr/Ni electrode for welding difficult-to-weld steels like armour plate, austenitic Mn steel, high carbon steel and CR/Ni steels. SIFCHROME 312 produces a self-releasing slag with excellent weld appearance.

308L – A rutile coated electrode for welding low carbon 18Cr10Ni austenitic stainless steel grades like 304. SIFCHROME 308L produces a self-releasing slag with brilliant weld appearance and excellent resistance to general and inter-granular corrosion (up to 350˚C).

316L – A rutile coated electrode for welding molybdenum alloys 18/12 and similar CR/Ni/Mo steels. SIFCHROME 316L produces a self-releasing slag and excellent weld appearance. It also provides high resistance against general and intergranular corrosion (up to 400˚C) and good resistance to hot cracking.

If you can’t see the stick welding rods you require for your project or are unsure what you require, please feel free to call one of our friendly sales team who will happily assist – 01276 505012