What are welding electrodes?

Welding electrode is a tool used in the welding process, mainly used to transfer current, generate arc to melt metal materials, and thus achieve connection between metals. Welding electrode not only transfers current, but also provides molten metal and protects the welding area from contamination.

Types of welding electrodes
There are many types of welding electrodes. The following are several common types of welding electrodes and their uses:

Role of welding electrode
In the welding process, welding electrodes play a vital role, and their main functions include:

Transmitting current: welding electrodes transmit current and generate arc to melt metal materials.
Providing molten metal: The molten welding electrode core material flows to fill the weld to form a strong connection.
Protecting pollution: The gas-like shell of the welding electrode protects the polluted metal material.
How to choose a welding electrode
The selection of a suitable welding electrode depends on factors such as the welding process, welding materials and required welding strength. When making a specific choice, you can consider the following aspects:

Type of material: Different materials require different types of welding electrodes.
Welding process: Different welding processes (such as TIG, MIG, spot welding, etc.) may require different types of electrodes.
Welding strength requirements: Select the appropriate welding electrode according to the required welding strength3.
Special types of welding electrodes
In addition to the common types of welding electrodes mentioned above, there are some special types of welding electrodes, such as tungsten electrodes. Tungsten electrodes are widely used in plasma arc welding, cutting and non-melting electrode argon arc welding due to their high melting point, corrosion resistance and good electron emission ability. According to the different rare earth elements added, tungsten electrodes can be divided into cerium tungsten electrodes, lanthanum tungsten electrodes and thorium tungsten electrodes, etc. Each electrode has its specific advantages and applicable scenarios.

In summary, welding electrodes are indispensable tools in the welding process. The correct selection and use of welding electrodes is crucial to ensure welding quality and efficiency.