Welding Electrodes - Understanding The SMAW Electrode Symbols
Welding Electrodes - Understanding The SMAW Electrode Symbols
Welding Electrodes - Understanding The SMAW Electrode Symbols
Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) electrodes are designated by “E” followed by four (or five) digits for example:
E7018, E6013 or E10018. I will explain the meaning of these symbols:
XX – First two digits designates the minimum tensile strength in Ksi (XX * 1000 Psi)
X – Second last digit designates position for which the electrode can be used
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XXX – First three digits designates the minimum tensile strength in Ksi (XX* 1000 Psi)
X – Second last digit is for position, in which the electrode can be used
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EXXXX-H4R
“H4” designates that it will meet 4ml average diffusible hydrogen content with 100 grams of weld deposit
Typical current (Amperage) ranges for shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) electrodes are given below (Table 1);
Table 1
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Note: Typical current (Amperage) ranges for carbon steel electrodes used in shielded metal arc welding (SMAW)
electrodes can be found in table A4 of ASME Section IIC (SFA 5.1/SFA 5.1M).
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