What are the Different Types of Welding Consumables?

 

Welding is the process of melting and fusing two metals with the use of excessive heat. To fuse both the metals, there needs to be a filler metal called consumable. These filler metals or consumables are what help form the joint.

The consumables can be termed as wires, electrodes, plate or pipe depending on their form. Consumables of the finest quality should be bought from trusted welding consumables manufacturers. The parent metals, the consumables, heat source, shielding together facilitate the process of welding. 

Types of Consumables

Welding consumables suppliers have the following types of consumables to fulfill the unique requirements of welders. 

Stick Electrodes

Stick electrodes are also known as welding rods. Welders dealing with stick electrodes need to have high welding skills. If you go by the American Welding Society, E6010, E6011, E6012. E6013, E7014, E7024 and E7018 are the types of stick electrodes.

To select the right stick electrode, you need to discuss the ideal flux composition as well as diameter with your welding consumables suppliers in India. The desired outcomes can be produced with the right choice of electrode. 

Fluxes

Oxidation is a common issue while welding. Flux from welding consumables manufacturers in India serves as an effective protection against oxidation of hot metals. It works by forming a shield of gas around the pool. The burning of flex leads to chemical reactions which in turn produces a gas that acts as a protective layer against exposure to atmospheric impurities.

The flux leaves behind a slag to obstruct porosity. When used with alternating current, flux contributes to the stability of the arc. Flux with high levels of iron content are beneficial for increasing the deposition rates. Flux containing deoxidizers are beneficial when the surface of base metals is contaminated with rust or corrosion.

SAW Wires

This type of consumable is used together with flux for best results. For more information on how the flux and wire may react with the base metals, you may have to discuss your requirements in detail with welding consumables suppliers. These wires are characterized by remarkable mechanical properties, provided they are subjected to heat after welding. Here is a quick tip: select a wire and flux that matches the strength of the base material. 

Flux Cored Wires

Gas and self-shielded are the two types of flux cored wires. Slag removal is easy in case of gas-shielded flux-cored wires. Gas shielded flux cored wires are more compatible with thicker metals. The flux coating hardens quicker than the melted weld which is helpful in overhead and vertical welding positions.

The spatter levels are low in self shielded wires and aid in side wall fusion. These wires aren’t included in the final product. Choose welding consumables manufacturers that have been in the industry since long for top grade products. 

Also Read: Types of Welding Electrode Coatings for Mild Steel

Conclusion

Diffusion Engineers is a leading supplier of welding consumables since the past 36 years. With high quality service and professionalism, the company has significantly contributed to introducing new technologies to enhance the life of worn-out equipment and components with applications in cement, power, sugar, mining, railways, steel and shipping industries.