Welding rods, also known as filler rods or welding electrodes
Are thin metal rods that are used in the process of welding. They are made of the same metal as the base metal being welded, or a metal that is closely matched to the base metal in terms of composition and properties.
During the welding process, an electric arc is created between the welding rod and the base metal. This arc melts the tip of the welding rod, which is then used to fill in the joint between the two pieces of metal. The metal from the welding rod and the base metal then fuse together as the weld cools and solidifies.
The different types of welding rods
There are many different types of welding rods available, each with different characteristics and intended uses. Some common types include:
- Stick welding rods: These are the most common type of welding rod and are used for welding a wide variety of metals. They are available in different diameters and are coated with flux to protect the weld from contamination.
- Tungsten electrodes: These rods are made of tungsten and are used in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding. They have a pointed tip that is used to create the arc and are available in different types for welding different metals.
- Gas metal arc welding (GMAW/MIG) wire: This type of rod is used in MIG welding and is fed through a gun to the weld joint. They are available in different sizes and materials.
The selection of a welding rod will depend on the type of metal being welded, the thickness of the metal, and the type of welding process used. It’s important to use the correct type of welding rod to ensure a high-quality weld and to avoid welding problems such as porosity, cracking and lack of penetration.
