welding electrode selection chart

 Welding Electrode Selection Chart

welding_electrode

Electrode identification. Since there are many types of electrodes, the American Welding Society (AWS) has established a numbering system that is used by the welding rod.

The Canadian Standards Association standard for mild and low alloy steel electrodes is W48-1M, which is roughly the same as the American Welding Association A5.1 standard. The difference lies in the fact that CSA uses the SI metric, and AWS still uses the inch-pound system to indicate the tensile strength of an electrode. CSA uses Megapascals (MPa). In the case of the E7024 electrode, 70,000 pounds per square inch translates to 480,000 MPa. Under the CSA specification, E7024 becomes E48024, but the requirements that the electrode must meet are the same in both cases.

This is how the numbers read: welding electrode.

1) The letter "E" indicates that the rod is intended for arc welding.

2) Next two numbers (if four numbers are used) or three numbers (if five)

numerals are used) multiplied by 1000 to indicate the tensile strength of the weld

metal in psi. The next-to-last number indicates the position in which

electrodes can be used. Position flat, horizontal, vertical, or.It might be possible

overhead.

3) Here, a number 1 will indicate that the electrode can be used in all

positions. A number 2 would indicate that the electrode could only be

used in a flat position

4) The last number indicates the electrical characteristics of the electrodes,

i.e,. AC, DC, and DC directly or reverse. This is the last number

This is somewhat unreliable due to the type of electrodes used today.

For example, an E7024 electrode would have the following characteristics:

E - electrode (arc welding)

Multiplying by 70 - 1000 means 70,000 psi (pounds per square inch) tensile strength.

2 - flat position

4 - AC and DC (straight and reverse)

E7024

Electrode identification

Welding Symbol 

 

welding joints

welding position

Welding Electrode Selection Chart | वेल्डिंग इलेक्ट्रोड चयन चार्ट

Base Metal (धातु)	Common Electrode	Welding Position	Current Type	Polarity	Notes
Mild Steel (MS)	🧪 E6013 / E6011 / E7018	All Positions	AC / DC	AC or DC+	General fabrication, clean weld
Carbon Steel	E7018	Flat / Horizontal / Vertical	DC	DC+	Low-hydrogen rod for structural work
Cast Iron	ENi-CI / ESt	Flat / Horizontal	DC	DC+	Preheating recommended
Stainless Steel	E308L / E309 / E316	All Positions	AC / DC	AC or DC+	Corrosion resistance, food grade
Aluminum	ER4043 / ER5356 (TIG/MIG)	Flat / Horizontal	AC (TIG)	AC	Use a pure tungsten electrode
Galvanized Steel	E6011 / E6013	Flat / Vertical	AC / DC	AC or DC+	Ventilation is important (zinc fumes)
Low Alloy Steel	E7018-A1 / E8018	All Positions	DC	DC+	High-strength structures
High Carbon Steel	E8018 / ENiFe-CI	Flat	DC	DC+	Preheat and slow cooling are recommended

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🔍 Quick Guide by Application

Application	Recommended Electrode	Why?
🏗️ Structural Welding	E7018	Strong, low hydrogen
🚗 Automotive	E6011 / MIG Wire	Deep penetration, versatility
🛠️ General Repair	E6013	Easy to use, smooth arc
💧 Pipelines	E6010 / E7010	Deep penetration
🧼 Food Industry	E308L	For stainless steel sanitation

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⚠️ Key Symbols Explained:

• E6013 = Easy arc, medium penetration

• E7018 = Low hydrogen, high-strength weld

• E6011 = Deep penetration, works on dirty/rusty metals

• E308L = Stainless steel welding (304 grade)

• E7010 = For pipe welding (cellulosic rod)

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✅ Electrode Selection Tips:

1. 🔎 Know your base metal – Match the electrode to the metal.

2. 🧪 Choose correct polarity – DC+ for deeper penetration.

3. 🔥 Check position – Use position-appropriate electrodes.

4. 🧯 Use safety gear – Always weld with proper PPE.

5. 🛠️ Try on scrap first – Practice before production welding.