7 best welding electrodes

The American company Lincoln Electric has been specializing in welding for over a hundred years, and the first electrode with a coating that was created by it was launched on the market in 1927. The development experience was not in vain: the Omnia 46 electrodes with a rutile-cellulose coating recently released onto the market have earned the recognition of welders and a worthy place in the rating of the best welding electrodes from the Price Expert.

Given the affordable price, they will be an excellent choice for beginners, as they easily flare up even on low-cost inverters without ignition relief functions. The length of the arc does not require precise control, since the electrodes are not very sensitive to its change within reasonable limits. When burning, the Omnia 46 produces a relatively small number of sparks flying around - and this is not only convenience in work, but also fire safety. Easy slag removal allows them to work on a rusty and dirty surface. The resulting seam is distinguished by high strength, comparable to many electrodes that have the main coating, which allows the use of Omnia 46 when welding pressure pipelines.

High-quality electrodes that are certified by NAKS for use in welding low-carbon steels at critical and hazardous sites. When using these electrodes, the seam is easily and evenly conducted, after cooling it becomes covered by an easily separated slag crust. Its strength is no worse than when using most types of common rutile electrodes, there is no tendency to cracking or the formation of large slag inclusions.

However, all these qualities require compliance with two rules. First, the coating of the OZS-12 electrodes is one of the most sensitive to damping, which is not typical of rutile electrodes. Before each use, the electrodes require thorough roasting at a temperature of about 150 degrees for an hour, which makes them not the most convenient option for welding: in the end, the main electrodes will also have to be calcined, but they will provide a more durable joint. Secondly, the welding zone requires stripping - large inclusions of dirt from the bath are removed poorly, reducing the quality of the seam.

Rutile electrodes such as MP-3 can be called one of the most common, but this is at the same time their main disadvantage: the products of various factories vary considerably in quality, and often it turns out to be very mediocre - hence the certain distrust experienced by welders for this brand.

Electrodes manufactured under the Resant brand can be called successful (especially in comparison with LEZ electrodes of the same type). Having retained all the advantages of the series (ease of ignition and arc in any direction, the ability to work on rust), they do not have widespread defects as well - a tendency to the formation of slag ulcers and pores, recrystallization with an increased carbon content in the parts to be welded (although for high carbon steel still fit poorly). Their sensitivity to dampness is somewhat more pronounced than is usual for the MP-3, and the mode of calcination is also tougher: at least an hour at 150-170 degrees.

Electrodes are designed for welding steels with a high content of chromium and nickel, primarily stainless. Use only on direct current reverse polarity, short arc.

If these conditions are met, the welder can put a strong seam with a minimal tendency to corrosion and pokalka, which makes it possible to use OZL-8 electrodes when welding highly loaded nodes, including those working under alternating loads. After welding, a small amount of slag is formed, which is easily separated. The seam does not crack as it cools, but it should be quenched to eliminate the possibility of crystallization, which significantly reduces strength.

Before use, it is necessary to heat the coating at a high temperature (up to 300 degrees).

One of the most frequently used carbon steel parts in welding is the basic coating electrodes. They are distinguished not only by the high strength of the seam, but also by its resistance to alternating loads - the constant cyclic effect of compression and tension does not lead to the rapid formation of fatigue cracks. The main merit of this is the coating material: its melt resembling resin effectively removes all slags from the welding zone, excluding the appearance of slag ulcers in the cooled seam - the main stress concentrators. After cooling, the slag acquires a characteristic form of solidified glass, it is easily cleaved from the seam.

Alas, it is this plastering that is also a minus of the UONI electrodes: they are difficult to ignite (the beginning welder often succeeds only after long attempts), re-ignition even after a short break already requires stripping the end of the electrode: the plaster melt instantly “sets” at the tip, isolating the metal . However, having gained experience, the welder begins to understand all the advantages of electrodes of this type, obtaining durable and at the same time aesthetic seams.