Choose the right electrode type

Electrodes play a vital role in welding technology. According to their consumption during the welding process, electrodes can be divided into two categories: consumable electrodes and non-consumable electrodes.

Consumable electrodes
Consumable electrodes refer to the type of electrodes that will gradually consume and become part of the weld during the welding process. This type of electrode continues to melt during use, filling the weld joint to form a strong connection. Typical consumable electrodes include welding rods (used in shielded metal arc welding SMAW) and flux-cored wires (used in flux-cored arc welding). When selecting consumable electrodes, factors to consider include tensile strength, ductility, and base metal requirements. In addition, the type of electrode coating (light coating or heavy coating) will also affect the welding performance, among which heavy coating electrodes are suitable for welding materials such as cast iron, steel and hard surfaces.

Non-consumable electrodes
Non-consumable electrodes are types of electrodes that do not melt during the welding process and do not become part of the weld. This type of electrode is mainly used in certain specific welding methods, such as tungsten inert gas welding (TIG) and plasma arc welding. In these methods, the non-consumable electrode acts as a conducting medium for the current, maintaining its shape and size. Tungsten is a commonly used non-consumable electrode material because it has a high melting point and good electrical conductivity. The KS B ISO 6848-2016 standard provides information on the classification of non-consumable tungsten electrodes for arc welding and cutting.

Summary
In summary, consumable electrodes and non-consumable electrodes each have their specific application scenarios and advantages in welding processes. Consumable electrodes are suitable for welding methods that require filler materials, while non-consumable electrodes are suitable for high-precision welding processes that do not require electrode materials to enter the weld. Choosing the right type of electrode is essential to ensure welding quality and efficiency.