Source and current selection in the welding process

The welding process is a very important source of energy, but the electrodes and welding wires are no less important. Good quality electrodes and wires will allow us to achieve a good quality weld, it will affect the efficiency and safety of our work.

Electrode welding
Coated Electrode Welding (MMA) is a universal method that allows us to weld thin and thick workpieces in a variety of conditions. We can weld a wide range of metals and alloys in any situation. The coiled electrode consists of a metal core covered with a special sheath, the thickness of which can vary. A distinction is made between thin, medium and thick coated electrodes, where the thickness of the coated electrodes is 20%, 20-40% or more than 40% of the core diameter.

Rutile coated electrodes (R) – the most popular electrodes for general use. They are easy to use, relatively efficient and allow welding in almost all positions except vertical top-down welding.

Alkaline lag electrodes (B) – very good mechanical properties of the welds can be achieved even at low temperatures due to the high ductility of the molten metal. They can be welded in all positions except vertically from top to bottom.

Cellulose coiled electrodes (C) – allow welding in the field under difficult assembly conditions. They can be welded in all positions, especially vertical from top to bottom.

Acid coated electrodes (A) – allow welding on smooth, flat surfaces with medium mechanical properties. Can be welded in bottom, side and conditional positions.

Special electrodes – in addition to the above types of sheaths, special sheaths are also available: RA – Rutile acid sheath, RB – Rutile alkaline sheath, RC – Rutile cellulose sheath, RR – Rutile thick sheath.

Paton offers arc welding electrodes: universal new generation “ELITE”, for welding carbon and non-alloy steels ANO 4, ANO 21, ANO 36, ANO 36, UONI 13/55, for welding high alloy steels CL 11, OZL – 8.

The Paton “ELITE” electrodes have been jointly developed by Paton and Paton Ukraine IES DZU IES and Paton IES leading experts. They comply with the best world standards and are suitable for welding in all situations, both for beginners and professionals. Under normal storage conditions they do not need to be heated before welding. “ELITE” electrodes are designed for manual arc welding of ordinary and demanding steel structures, with a low carbon content of up to 0.25%. The welding spray electrodes have reduced toxicity, which allows welding in confined spaces without the use of special ventilation equipment.

The use of electrodes for welding is “elite” Paton.
ANO 4 electrodes, designed for angle, butt and bore welding of metals between 3-20 mm. Suitable for welding ordinary and larger low carbon steel structures. For the welding of rotation-free plumbing joints. Ø3 and Ø4 mm electrodes are suitable for welding in all spatial positions except top-down; Ø5 and Ø6 mm electrodes are suitable for welding from the bottom up in horizontal, vertical and vertical planes.

The ANO 21 electrodes can be used for fillet, butt and overlap welding and for welding metal bores from 3 to 20 mm. They are suitable for welding ordinary and larger steel structures with low carbon content up to 0,25% carbon. Non-rotating, low pressure, for welding water and gas pipe joints. Ø3 and Ø4 mm electrodes, suitable for welding in all spatial positions. Ø5 and Ø6 mm electrodes, suitable for welding bottom, horizontal, vertical and vertical-up.

ANO 36 electrodes allow welding at very low currents – ideal for home use. They are designed for welding conventional low carbon steel structures. They are designed for welding non-rotating, low pressure water and gas pipe joints. They are suitable for gap welds, butt welds and 2-15 mm metal holes. The electrodes are suitable for welding in all spatial positions.

UONI 13/55 electrodes are used for joining metals where the weld seam needs higher ductility and strength properties in harsh weather conditions. They are particularly suitable for welding responsible structures under dynamic load at negative temperatures down to -40C. They are suitable for welding metals from 3 to 30 mm thick. The electrodes are designed for welding carbon and non-alloy steels, for example in the shipbuilding industry. They can be used to remove casting difficulties. The electrodes are suitable for welding in all spatial positions except top-down.

The CL 11 electrodes are designed for welding corrosion resistant chrome-nickel steel products operating under severe conditions at temperatures up to 400 °C, where metal welding must meet stringent intergranular corrosion protection requirements. The electrodes can be welded in all spatial positions except from top to bottom.

OZL – 8 electrodes, for welding of chromium-nickel steel products in corrosion-resistant and harsh environments where metal welds must meet stringent intergranular corrosion protection requirements. The electrodes are suitable for welding in all spatial positions except top-down.

There are many companies on the market that produce MIG/MAG welding wire. The choice of welding wire for MIG/MAG welding machines depends on the thickness of the material and the welding position, the most popular being 0.6 mm; 0.8 mm; 1.0 mm; 1.2 mm; 1.6 mm; 2.0 mm diameter wires. If thicker elements are welded, the wire diameter should be larger, smaller diameters give higher density and melting depth.