Current type

Manual arc welding (MMA) can be welded with both direct current and alternating current in principle.

Of course, not all types of coated electrodes can be welded with sinusoidal alternating current, for example, pure alkaline electrodes cannot be welded. Most types of electrodes are connected to the negative polarity and the workpiece to the positive polarity when welding with direct current. Alkaline electrodes are an exception to this, and the welding effect is better when these electrodes are connected to the positive polarity. Some cellulose-based electrode brands also weld with positive polarity.

The welding rod is a tool in the hands of the welder. The welder places the burning arc welding rod on the weld and melts the metal at the edge of the weld. Different weld forms and base material thicknesses require different current intensities. For a certain welding rod, there is a certain limit to the current intensity it can withstand, which is related to the diameter and length of the welding rod, so there are various welding rods with different diameters and lengths on the market.

The larger the core rod diameter of the welding rod, the greater the welding current required.