Slag forming
ingredients
Slag forming ingredients produce a lightweight slag which forms a layer on the
molten metal and protects the weld pool from atmospheric contamination.
silicates of sodium, potassium, magnesium, aluminum, iron oxide, china clay,
mica, etc., are responsible for the slag forming process.
Gas Shielding ingredients,
The gas shielding ingredients produce a protective gas shield around the
electrode tip arc and the weld pool.
Cellulose, wood flour, starch, calcium carbonate, etc., are used as gas shielding
ingredients.
Deoxidizing elements
Deoxidizing elements refine the molten metal, for this ability, ferromanganese,
and ferrosilicon, are used.
Purpose of using ingredients in electrodes
Proper coated ingredients produce weld metals resistant to cold and hot
cracking and improve metal deposition rate.
The coating protects the welding operator from electric shock and radiation.
Alloying elements such as iron alloys of manganese, molybdenum, etc. may be
added to provide suitable properties and strengths to the weld metal and to
make up for the loss of certain elements, which vaporize during welding.
Coating/covering Improves, weld penetration and surface finish, it limits
spatter, produces a quiet welding arc, and easily removable slag.
Sizing of welding electrodes
Wires of different chemical compositions and sizes are obtained from electrode
manufacturing companies. manufacturing companies, chemically cleaned, cut
into different lengths, and straightened in the electrodemaking plant. Generally,
electrodes come in sizes 300, 350, 450, etc.
Flux application on the Welding Electrodes