SMAW (Stick) Electrodes

Some of the most popular SMAW stainless steel electrodes used in industry today are type: EXXX-15, -16 and -17. Selecting the proper coating type for your welding application and equipment is an important factor contributing to overall weld quality, productivity and performance.

EXXX-15: Are lime based coated electrodes used with power supplies producing DC welding current. DCRP/DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) is the proper polarity setting for these electrode types. The flux coating on the electrode is relatively thin, producing a low slag volume with good wetting action and fast freezing characteristics lending the electrode well for out of position welding (vertical-up and over head). Arc transfer is globular in nature. Weld bead profile is slightly convex with good tie-in at the weld toes. The welding current (amperage setting) is typically 10 percent lower compared to -16 or -17 type electrodes. The -15 electrodes are also well suited for welding fully austenitic stainless steel base materials such as types 330 and 320.

EXXX-16: Are titania based coated electrodes used with power supplies producing either AC (alternating current) or DC welding current. DCRP/DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) is the preferred polarity setting for these electrode types. Arc transfer is globular-spray like in nature. The flux coating on the electrode is moderate with good slag coverage and freezing characteristics making them the most versatile of the coating types. Good for all position welding or used when -15 type coated electrodes are not available for vertical-up and over head welding. Weld metal produced with this electrode type is evenly rippled and slag removal is easy.

EXXX-17: Are silica-titania based coated electrodes used with power supplies producing either AC (alternating current) or DC welding current. DCRP/DCEP (Direct Current Electrode Positive) is the preferred polarity setting for these electrode types. Arc transfer is spray like in nature. The flux coating on the electrode is moderate-heavy which makes this electrode well suited for flat and horizontal position welding. Vertical-up welding is possible using a wide weave technique, producing a slightly more convex weld bead as compared to -15 and -16 coated electrodes due primarily to the high volume of slag. This electrode coating type produces a flat to concave deposit in the flat and horizontal welding position and blends well into the base metal resulting in easy slag removal (self peeling) reducing post weld clean-up time considerably. The welding current (amperage setting) used is typically 10 percent higher compared to -15 type electrodes, resulting in slightly higher deposit rates.

TYPICAL STAINLESS STEEL ELECTRODE AMPERAGE RANGES