Welding Rods Uses

Welding rods come in different sizes and compositions, made to meet the requirements of specific welding applications. They consist of base metal and a chemical coating. The base metal is usually zinc or steel, while the coating exists to make the rod stable and help it melt during the welding process. Welding rods, or electrodes, act like sources of resistance during the welding process, generating heat that melts the rod. This is the basic usage of welding rods. But you can use rods to do other things as well.

Joining Two Metal Surfaces

The main purpose of welding rods is to join two metal pieces together. How the electrode will act during welding depends on its flux coating. If some of it burns and forms smoke, it acts as a shield around the welded spot. Without the flux, the welded part would be weak. You can find numerous types of welding electrodes on the market, depending on which metal they can weld. All of them must be kept dry in order to prevent crack formation and weakness in the welded area.

Brazing

You can use welding rods for brazing. These special rods are versatile and can work for ferrous and nonferrous applications. You may use them for fixing brass and bronze surfaces. They are also helpful in joining copper alloys to stainless steel and ferrous metals, increasing salt water corrosion resistance and making large bronze overlays. Some of the typical applications for these rods are cams, pumps, cast legs, propellers and floor plates.

Cutting and Gouging

The special cutting and gouging rods are gas and air-free metal working electrodes. You can use them for cutting, gouging, bevel or chamfer. They work with a common arc welding machine. You can cut all metals with them, including stainless steel, cast iron and copper. You may perform flat, vertical, vertical up, vertical down, horizontal or overhead cutting. For deeper grooves, you should repeat the procedure until you achieve the depth you want.

Welding Stainless Steel

Welding rods for welding stainless steel are available on the market. These electrodes can be used for repairing different tools, dies, spring steel or for bonding different metal combinations. You can also increase corrosion resistance with them. Welding rods cannot be used for joining aluminum and copper alloys.

References

• Bureau Of Labor Statistics: Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Workers
• Zena Incorporated: Zena Special Purpose Welding Rods
• Metal Web News: Welding Electrodes