SFA-5.1/SFA-5.1M 2007 SECTION II, PART C

TABLE A3

TYPICAL STORAGE AND DRYING CONDITIONS FOR COVERED ARC WELDING ELECTRODES

AWS Classification Storage Conditions(1,2)

Drying

A5.1 A5.1M Ambient Air Holding Ovens Conditions(3)

E6010, E6011 E4310, E4311 Ambient temperature Not recommended Not recommended

E6012, E6013, E6019, E4312, E4313, E4319 80°F ± 20°F 20°F to 40°F 275°F ± 25°F

E6020, E6022, E6027, E4320, E4322, E4327, [30°C ± 10°C] [10°C to 20°C] [135°C ± 15°C]

E7014, E7024, E7027 E4914, E4924, E4927 50% max. above ambient 1 hr at

relative humidity temperature temperature

E6018, E7015, E7016, E4318, E4915, E4916, Not recommended 50°F to 250°F 500°F to 800°F

E7018, E7028, E7018M, E4918, E4928, E4918M, [30°C to 140°C] [260°C to 425°C]

E7048 E4948 above ambient 1-2 hr at tem-

temperature perature

NOTES:

(1) After removal from manufacturer’s packaging.

(2) Some of these electrode classifications may be designated as meeting low moisture absorbing requirements. This designation does not imply

that storage in ambient air is recommended.

(3) Because of inherent differences in covering composition, the manufacturers should be consulted for the exact drying conditions.

and low-hydrogen electrodes, as well as to recognize the

industry demand for electrodes with 70 ksi [490 MPa]

minimum tensile strength. Unlike the E70XX-X

[E49XX-X] classification in AWS A5.5, Specification for

Low-Alloy Steel Electrodes for Shielded Metal Arc Weld-

ing, these electrodes do not contain deliberate alloy addi-

tions, nor are they required to meet minimum tensile

properties after postweld heat treatment.

A6.13.4 E70XX [E49XX] low-hydrogen electrodes

have mineral coverings which are high in limestone and

other ingredients that are low in moisture and hence pro-

duce weld deposits “low in hydrogen content.”

Low-hydrogen electrodes were developed for welding

low-alloy high-strength steels, some of which were high

in carbon content. Electrodes with other than low-hydrogen

coverings may produce “hydrogen-induced cracking” in

those steels. These underbead cracks occur in the base

metal, usually just below the weld bead. Weld metal cracks

may also occur.

Low-hydrogen electrodes should be used when welding

high-sulfur or enameling steels. Other electrodes are likely

to cause porosity and/or cracks in high-sulfur steels. With

enameling steels, the hydrogen that escapes after welding

with other than low-hydrogen electrodes produces holes

in the enamel.

A6.14 Amperage Ranges. Table A4 gives amperage

ranges which are satisfactory for most classifications.

When welding vertically upward, currents near the lower

limit of the range are generally used.

42

A7. Description and Intended Use of Electrodes

A7.1 E6010 [E4310] Classification

A7.1.1 E6010 [E4310] electrodes are characterized

by a deeply penetrating, forceful, spray type arc and readily

removable, thin, friable slag which may not seem to com-

pletely 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 mag-

nesium 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.

A7.1.2 These electrodes are recommended for all

welding positions, particularly on multiple pass applica-

tions in the vertical and overhead welding positions and

where welds of good soundness are required. They fre-

quently are selected for joining pipe and generally are

capable of welding in the vertical position with either uphill

or downhill progression.

A7.1.3 The majority of applications for these elec-

trodes 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 ves-

sel fittings. Since the applications are so widespread, a

discussion of each is impractical. Sizes larger than 3⁄16 in.