1 AWS Electrode classifications

Just like UNS and ISO numbering systems, the

AWS numbering system is used to classify electrodes and it can tell a welder quite a
bit about the electrode stick like:
i.
How the electrode should be handled
ii.
What current should be used to operate the stick
iii.
How to maximize its performance, etc.
Now lets see how the numbering system classify the electrodes and how it works.

1.1 Parameters for classification

In AWS numbering the parameters used to classify the welding
electrodes are as follow:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Type of consumable
Tensile strength of the material used
Position of use
Type of coating and current

1.1.1 Type of consumable

1 st portion of AWS electrode number consists of one or two alphabet that
tells the type of consumable and welding in which the consumable is used. The
classification is as follow:

Consumable

Prefix

Type Of Welding

Common
Electrodes

Stick welding
electrode

SMAW

E6010,E7018

Solid wire

ER

MIG/GMAW

ER5056,ER308

Flux cored wire

FCAW

E70C-6,E71T-8

TIG electrode

WX*

TIG

WL15,WC20

TIG filler rods

ER

TIG

ER308,ER4043

Rod gas

RG

Oxy-fuel welding

RG-65,RG-60

Notes:
*X=L for lanthanated, C for ceriated, T for thoriated, Z for zircoinated

Table. 1.1
The classification shown in table is rather a concise classification, for more detailed
classification you can check the AWS standard reports available online. Here we are
only going to study stick welding electrodes used in SMAW.

1.1.2 Tensile strength of material

For stick welding electrode the first two digits of the
classification represents tensile strength of the electrode. Tensile strength pf the
weld metal, measured in kilo pounds per square inch
(k PSI).
For example in E-7018, 70 represents 70 kilo Psi.

1.1.3 Position of use

The third digit of the code tells position of use. The
classification of position is shown in table. 1.2.
Digit

Positions of use

All positions

Horizontal and flat

Flat only

Overhead, flat, horizontal,

vertical down
Table. 1.2

1.1.4 Type of coating and current

The fourth digit tells the coating and type of current and its
polarity. (Shown in table 1.3)

Table 1.3
Types of Current:
Alternating current (AC)
Current changes its polarity depending upon the frequency of AC
current. In America the polarity changes 120 times per second, current is 60Hz. In
Pakistan polarity changes 100 times per second, current is 50Hz.
Direct current electrode positive(DCEP or DC+)
DCEP or reversed polarity is used for deeper penetration.
Direct current electrode negative(DCEN or DC-)
DCEN or straight polarity is used for faster melt-off and deposition
rate.

Some commonly used SMAW welding electrodes are as follow:

E6010
E6010 electrodes are characterized by a deeply penetrating, forceful, spray-type arc
and readily removable, thin, friable slag which may not seem to completely cover the weld
bead. Fillet welds usually have a relatively flat weld face and have a rather coarse, unevenly
spaced ripple. The coverings are high in cellulose, usually exceeding 30% by weight. The
other materials generally used in the covering include titanium dioxide, metallic deoxidizers
such as ferromanganese, various types of magnesium or aluminum silicates, and liquid
sodium silicate as a binder. Because of their covering composition, these electrodes are
generally described as the high-cellulose sodium type.
These electrodes are recommended for all welding positions, particularly on multiple-pass
applications in the vertical and overhead welding positions and where welds of good
soundness are required. They frequently are selected for joining pipe and generally are
capable of welding in the vertical position with either uphill or downhill progression.
The majority of applications for these electrodes is in joining carbon steel. However, they
have been used to advantage on galvanized steel and on some low-alloy steels. Typical
applications include shipbuilding, buildings, bridges, storage tanks, piping, and pressure
vessel fittings. Since the applications are so widespread, a discussion of each is impractical.
Sizes larger than 3/16 in [5.0 mm] generally have limited use in other than flat or horizontalfillet welding positions.
These electrodes have been designed for use with dcep (direct current, electrode positive).
The maximum amperage that can generally be used with the larger sizes of these electrodes
is limited in comparison to that for other classifications due to the high spatter loss that
occurs with high amperage.
E7018M
Electrodes are similar to E7018-1H4R electrodes, except that the testing for
mechanical properties and for classification is done on a groove weld that has a 60 degree
included angle and, for electrodes up to 5/32 in [4 mm], welded in the vertical position with
upward progression. The impact test results are evaluated using all five test values and
higher values are required at 20F [30C]. The maximum allowable moisturein-coating
values in the as-received or reconditioned state are more restrictive than that required for
E7018R.
E7018M is intended to be used with dcep-type current in order to produce the optimum
mechanical properties. However, if the manufacturer desires, the electrode may also be
classified as E7018 provided all the requirements of E7018 are met.
In addition to their use on carbon steel, the E7018M electrodes are used for joining carbon
steel to high-strength low-alloy steels and higher carbon steels. Fillet welds made in the
horizontal and flat welding positions have a slightly convex weld face, with a smooth and
finely rippled surface. The electrodes are characterized by a smooth, quiet arc, very low
spatter, and medium arc penetration.