Different types of welding rods

Definition and principle:

Consumable welding rod: During the welding process, the welding rod itself will continue to melt and enter the weld as filler metal, participating in the formation of the weld. For example, the American BROCO Easytouch underwater carbon steel welding rod is a consumable welding rod. When it is welded underwater, it is wrapped by a wax layer as a whole. After the wax coating at the end is destroyed, it hits the workpiece in the water to start the arc, and then it contacts the workpiece to pull a straight line for welding. The entire welding rod will gradually melt and enter the weld.

Non-consumable welding rod: During the welding process, the welding rod itself does not melt, and mainly plays the role of conducting current and generating arc. The filler metal required for the weld is provided by the additional welding wire. For example, the tungsten electrode used in tungsten argon arc welding is a non-consumable electrode. It does not melt during welding, but forms a weld by adding welding wire externally.

Feature comparison:

Consumable welding rod
Advantages
Relatively simple operation
Good weld formation
Some welding rods are economical
Disadvantages: The melting speed of the welding rod is relatively fixed. For some occasions where the welding speed is high or the filling amount needs to be precisely controlled, it may not be easy to meet the needs.

Non-consumable welding rod
Advantages
Precise control of welding parameters
Suitable for a variety of welding positions
Disadvantages: Additional filler metal is required, which increases the complexity of the operation and requires relatively high skills of the operator.

Applicable scenarios:

Consumable welding rod
Underwater welding
General structural welding

Non-consumable welding rod
Precision welding
Non-ferrous metal welding