DIY aluminum electrodes: DIY aluminum welding electrodes


Method of joining parts Size of parts, mm Largest electrode circumference, mm Size of filler rod, mm Welding currents, A Gas consumption, l/min Beaded 11—45-504-51.5270-755-62280-857-8 Without cutting with a seam on one side 22 up to 255-755-634 up 3100-1207-844 up to 3120-1508-10 Without cutting with seams on both sides 44 up to 4120-1807-855 up to 4200-2508-1065 up to 4240-2708-10

Materials and tools

If the technical training of an employee comes first when carrying out aluminum welding work, then the technological equipment for conducting the work takes second place.


Regardless of the welding method, to obtain the best results, you must prepare the following:

  • power source - a welding machine that allows you to supply direct and alternating current, as well as currents reaching 300 A;
  • electrodes of the OZANA and UANA brands, intended for all types of aluminum alloys;
  • filler wire or rods;
  • gas equipment - cylinders, burner, hoses;
  • reliable grounding;
  • work clothes made of non-flammable material;
  • welding mask or goggles.

Safety precautions

The technology of the welding process involves intense spattering, which makes us, first of all, concerned about the safety of the welder.

  1. He must wear a suit made of non-flammable or fire-resistant fabric, as well as mittens and leggings made of similar material.
  2. Personal protective equipment is used to protect the respiratory system.
  3. The eyesight is protected by a welding mask.
  4. Having a reliable grounding will prevent electric shock.

Working with gas equipment is associated with increased danger. Complying with all industrial safety requirements at home is problematic, but it is necessary to follow them.

Preparing the surfaces of metal parts for welding

The parts to be welded require careful preparation. The edges of the parts are subjected to the following processing:

  • Remains of fats, oils and other contaminants are removed from the surface of the workpiece using aviation gasoline, white spirit or acetone, or a solvent, that is, they are degreased.
  • Cutting edges. When welding sheet material with a thickness of not more than one and a half millimeters, their edges are flanged. The chamfer is removed on parts with a thickness of more than 4 mm when welding with coated electrodes. If the thickness of the products is 20 mm or more, then cutting is necessary in any case.
  • Removal of oxides from the surface is carried out with a file or a metal brush. The cleaning width on each side should be up to 15 mm. In some cases, the oxides are dissolved with a caustic soda solution.


    But after such a procedure, rinsing with running water is required.

Process description

After the preparatory activities, the docking process is carried out. Welding aluminum at home using the electric arc welding method in a neutral gas environment is carried out in compliance with the following recommendations:

  • the angle of inclination of the tungsten electrode to the surface to be welded must be at least 70°, but not more than 80°;
  • the filler metal rod is fed into the zone perpendicular to the tungsten electrode;
  • the arc size should not exceed 2 1/2 mm;
  • to provide protection from oxygen, the molten metal begins to move first, the rod, followed by the electrode with the burner;
  • the filler rod is periodically introduced into the weld pool;
  • transverse movements are not recommended, only longitudinal ones;
  • to remove excess heat, welding is performed on copper plates or a steel workbench;
  • inert gas is supplied 3 seconds before the arc forms and for 5 seconds after the end of the voltage supply.

Do-it-yourself welding process Aluminum welding
Recently, semi-automatic machines, especially pulsed ones, have been gaining popularity in home workshops. The problem with the oxide film is solved by using a high voltage pulse. He literally breaks it, and due to the reverse action, presses drops of molten aluminum into the molten bath.

The process of welding aluminum with pulsed semi-automatic machines is carried out with direct current, but with reverse polarity. Uniform feeding of aluminum wire is carried out by a roller mechanism. Due to the high coefficient of thermal expansion, the wire may get stuck in the ferrule. In this regard, tips for welding aluminum and marked “AL” are used.

How to Weld Aluminum Using an Arc Welder

Arc welding has been historically important to construction since its widespread use in the 19th century.


Today it is a critical component of both buildings and vehicles. Steel is most often used for welding, but certain situations call for aluminum, which is significantly more difficult to work with than steel. However, with the right approach and planning, you can easily perform aluminum arc welding, whether it's a job on the job or in a hobbyist's workshop.

TL; DR (too long; didn't read)

Aluminum's properties make it more difficult to weld than steel: it expands more when exposed to heat, and its lower melting point makes it much easier to melt an entire piece of metal during the welding process. However, if you weld with care and at the correct speed and temperature, aluminum can be welded using either heliar or stick arc welding. Be incredibly careful when arc welding, and never look into the arc without eye protection.

Arc Welding Basics

Although advances in technology over the past century have allowed for automatic welding machines and more efficient welding machines, the basic arc welding process has remained the same.


Arc welding is the process of fusing two metal parts together using an electric arc, which creates intense heat that can melt the metal parts. When melted with a specially coated electrode, the molten metal is mixed with a filler that binds the two parts into a single whole. There are different arc welding methods based on the technology and materials used in the process.

Problems with aluminum

Steel is often considered the "default" metal used in welding, and by comparison, aluminum is a notoriously difficult metal to bond with arc welding. Because it is a reactive metal with a tendency to form oxides, it is more difficult to create a binder filler suitable for aluminum welding. Combined with the metal's high thermal conductivity and low melting point, it is very easy for a novice welder to completely melt the aluminum parts involved in the process. As a result, the first step in aluminum arc welding is to clean the base metal of any oxides or solvents.


The second step is to be mindful of your approach.

Manual welding

Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), informally known as stick welding, is one of the older forms of arc welding. Inexpensive and easy to use in a wide range of applications, this welding method is often used by small fabrication shops and hobby welders, but can be used to weld aluminum smoothly. The key is to use a more powerful DC welder and an aluminum coated electrode. Fast welding without too much metal-to-arc contact allows you to quickly bond aluminum.

Heliarc Welding

Gas metal arc welding (GMAW), informally called Heliarc welding, is a welding process that adds an inert gas such as argon or helium to prevent oxidation during the melting process. To weld aluminum with this method, it is best to preheat the metal to no more than 230 degrees Fahrenheit before starting welding.


By using argon gas and pushing the welding gun away from the weld pool rather than away from the weld pool, aluminum can be bonded without too much trouble.

Manufacturing instructions

It doesn't matter what brand of electrodes you need to purchase, in any case it is not cheap. Especially for beginner welders. We have found a solution to this problem and suggest you make the rods yourself. There are many videos on the Internet in which experienced craftsmen explain the technology for making materials for welding. We also decided to share our instructions on how to make homemade electrodes with your own hands. Follow these simple steps:

  • Prepare aluminum wire with a diameter of no more than 4 millimeters and cut it into rods 20-25 centimeters long. These parameters are usually sufficient, but you can change the diameter and length as you wish. Our base is ready.
  • Now let's prepare the coating. Grind up chalk (preferably regular white) and mix it with silicate glue (sometimes called “liquid glass” in stores). Mix everything thoroughly until smooth and dip the aluminum rods into it.
  • Make sure that the coating layer does not exceed 2 millimeters. Leave the electrodes to dry. When the coating hardens, the rod can be used for work.

Yes, such electrodes for resistance welding are inferior in quality to factory products, but they still allow you to perform simple work that does not require increased responsibility and a perfect seam. This instruction may seem too simple, but believe me, electrodes for spot welding on your own can also be effective and will absolutely save your money.

Please note that this is not a factory carbon electrode or zinc electrode, it is not European quality. So test your electrodes first before working on unwanted metal.

How to Successfully MIG Weld Aluminum [Guide]

MIG welding aluminum can be difficult as it is very different from MIG welding mild steel. Follow this guide to learn about the key factors to consider.

Key to welding aluminum

Aluminum in its pure form is a relatively soft metal that has many uses, but requires the addition of alloy(s) to increase its strength. Because the properties of aluminum are very different from those of steel, working with this material can present some unique challenges, such as distortion and sensitivity to heat input. Despite these challenges, MIG welding aluminum is not that difficult if you use the right equipment and follow the proper procedures.

Keep these important factors in mind when MIG welding aluminum.

Tips for getting started

  1. Consider the thickness of the material. : The thickness of aluminum material that can be MIG welded is 14 gauge or more; The power output of your welder determines the thickness you can weld. MIG welding aluminum less than 14 (0.074 in) thick may require special pulsed MIG or AC TIG equipment.
  2. Keep it clean. : Aluminum must be thoroughly cleaned before welding, including removing any lubricants from the material. Removal of oxides should be done after degreasing using a stainless steel wire brush - a hand or flat wire brush will do. If using an electric wire brush, keep the speed and pressure low to reduce lubrication on the surface of the material, which can trap oxides and contaminants below the surface.


    To avoid contaminating the base material, always clean with a wire brush that is only used on aluminum.

  3. Select the appropriate gas : Since aluminum is a non-ferrous metal, it requires 100% argon shielding gas. A flow rate of 20 to 30 cubic feet per hour is recommended.
  4. What process should I use? When welding aluminum using the MIG method, atomization is desirable. This process involves a very smooth transfer of droplets of molten metal from the end of the electrode to the molten pool. The diameter of the droplets crossing the arc is smaller than the diameter of the electrode. In spray transfer, there is no short circuit, and the deposition rate and efficiency are relatively high. However, keep in mind that spray transfer requires a lot of heat, creating a large weld pool with good penetration, which can be difficult to control. It should not be used on materials less than 14 gauge thick.
  5. Gun and Wire Feed Options: Selecting a gun and wire feed system is an important step before MIG welding aluminum. Aluminum wire is typically fed using a spool gun or push-pull system. Spool guns improve soft wire feeding by placing a small amount of wire on a pistol-grip gun. Using a spool gun eliminates the possibility of bird nesting because the wire only feeds a few inches. In a push-pull system, the gun motor pulls the wire through the liner and the motor on the feeder acts as an auxiliary motor. This option is ideal for welding away from a power source and can be more ergonomic and user-friendly.
  6. Correct filler metal: Know the base aluminum alloy and the conditions to which the finished part will be exposed. The two most commonly available aluminum filler wires are ER4043 and ER5356.


    For recommendations on wire alloys suitable for your application, contact your local welding equipment distributor or filler metal representative.

Welding technique

The operator's skill level, joint types, setup and position, and welding power source will all have a big impact on the weldability of aluminum. Consider these welding techniques to improve your skills.

  • Use a stroke angle of 10 to 15 degrees—the tip and nozzle pointing in the direction of travel (see Figure 1). Pulling or using a drag angle will result in porous, dirty welds due to the lack of gas coating.

Figure 1: Firearms Techniques

  • Maintain the proper distance from the tip to the work surface and, if possible, recess the contact tip approximately 1/8 inch inside the nozzle.


    (See Figure 2)

Figure 2: Gun and welding area

  • The heat reflector and weld puddle are very hot when MIG welding aluminum. Holding the tip closer than recommended may result in wire burning back to the contact tip and other feeding problems.
  • Avoid large weaves on aluminum. When larger fillet welds are required, multi-pass straight beads will provide better appearance and reduce the likelihood of lap-in, burn-through and other weld defects.
  • It is necessary to increase the torch speed because the base material heats up during welding.

Troubleshooting common problems

If you encounter these common problems when MIG welding aluminum, consider the following steps to resolve the problem.

Burn-through (melting) due to overheating of the base material

  • Increase the speed of movement and make the seams shorter.

  • Move around the part, distributing the heat.
  • Use thicker material, change the joint design, or switch the welding process to AC TIG.
  • Elimination/reduction of gaps.

Dirty welds

  • Use a pushing angle instead of a dragging technique.
  • Increase voltage to switch to spray mode.
  • Use appropriate methods to clean the base metal, such as a stainless steel brush.
  • Check the presence of shielding gas and wire alloy.

Incorrect machine settings

Wire burns back to the contact tip during or at the end of the weld

  • Maintain the required distance from the tip to the work surface.
  • Make sure the contact tip size, drive rollers and torch guide match the diameter of the wire being used.

Wire birdhouses (piles) in front of the entry guide on the gun

  • Check and adjust the tension of the drive rollers.
  • Make sure the drive rollers match the wire diameter.
  • Replace the contact tip if necessary.
  • Check the pressure adjustment on the aluminum hub of the spool gun.

Electrode selection

When choosing conductive rods for welding aluminum, you need to pay attention to the following aspects:

  1. The composition of the electrode must correspond to the alloy of the elements being connected. Information about the first is indicated by the manufacturer on the packaging and certificate.
  2. The thickness of the consumable material should not exceed the thickness of the workpiece by more than 1 mm. Violating the rule will result in burning through the element.
  3. Welding rods dried more than once reduce the strength of the resulting bead. Welding is performed with carbon, graphite or tungsten electrodes, which is determined by the method of operation.

Several types of rods are used for welding operations with aluminum. The main ones are the following groups:

  • alkaline-salt - OK 96.10, 20, 50, intended for aluminum and its technical category, due to increased hygroscopicity they need protection from humidity;
  • OZAHA - provide a good indicator of weldability and the resulting bead on different metal alloys, you can weld not only horizontal, but also vertical seams;
  • OZA - SvA1, 3, 5, 10, for pure aluminum and alloy with silicon;
  • UAHA - aluminum alloys;
  • tungsten - using a controlled protective atmosphere.

The main disadvantage of the latter is considered to be difficult arc ignition.

For simple welding operations, aluminum electrodes can be made in-house.

This will require the following supplies:

  1. Aluminum wire ± 30 cm long, 3-4 mm in diameter;
  2. A coating made from crushed chalk and liquid glass.

Apply the paste mixture evenly onto the wire in a layer of 1-2 mm. After drying, the electrode is ready for use.

Review of homemade batteries

Readers unfamiliar with the principles of battery operation may wish to review our short lesson on battery basics before starting this lesson.

Battery operation

A simple battery requires three parts to operate: two electrodes made of different materials (usually metals), and an electrolyte (usually a liquid with ions in solution) that reacts with the electrodes.

The battery works when one of the electrodes (anode) dissolves positively charged ions in the electrolyte, leaving behind excess electrons.


As a result, a negative charge remains on the anode. If you then connect a wire from the anode to another electrode (cathode), the excess electrons will flow through the wire until they are evenly distributed on the two electrodes. This flow of electrons through the wire produces an electrical current. On the cathode side, the incoming electrons are stripped from the cathode and react with the electrolyte ions, clearing the way for more anode to dissolve and more electrons to flow to the cathode.

This process continues as long as the anode continues to dissolve and as long as the electrolyte continues to react with and neutralize the byproducts. Eventually, either the anode or electrolyte runs out (or the electrodes become covered in debris from secondary reactions) and the battery stops working.

Battery materials and characteristics

The voltage of the battery depends solely on the chemical reactions taking place and therefore on the choice of materials. For high voltage, the anode must be highly reactive with the electrolyte, while the cathode must be as inert as possible.


Common materials for making homemade electrodes are zinc, aluminum, copper and steel. The electrolyte is often a weak acid (such as citric, acetic or phosphoric) or an aqueous salt solution. Zinc usually dissolves most easily in these electrolytes and is the best anode material, although aluminum also operates at a slightly lower voltage. Copper and stainless steel are good cathodes and are generally similar in behavior, while stainless steel is only slightly less reactive to some acids. Among these materials, the highest voltages are achieved with zinc, stainless steel and phosphoric acid, which can produce voltages around 1. 2 volts.

The maximum available battery current is more difficult to predict. This depends not only on the chemical composition, but also on the size and proximity of the electrodes, as well as the concentration of the electrolyte. Larger and closer electrodes with more concentrated electrolyte produce higher currents.

Battery capacity is determined by size.


Larger electrodes with higher electrolyte volume and concentration last longer, provided the electrodes do not become dirty before the essential chemicals run out.

Tables 1 and 2 list common sources of electrode metals and electrolytes.

, roofing nails
Table 1: Some sources for common electrodes.

Electrodesource
zincgalvanized or galvanized bolts or washers
aluminumbeverage cans, foilwire
stainless steelmounting bolts or washers,

98 3 COOH) Table 2: Some sources of common electrolytes.

electrolytesource
citric acid (C 6 H 8 O 7 )lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, tomato juice
vinegar (4% to 8% acetic acid), pickles
phosphoric acid (H 3 PO 4 )some soft drinks (eg Coca-Cola), potatoes
salty watertap water and table salt (NaCl)

Rice.
1: The battery is made from an aluminum strip from a soft drink can, a piece of copper ground wire and a Coke glass. Produces 0.75 volts and a maximum of about 3 mA. Rice. 2: Three lemon batteries connected in series with an LED. Each battery uses a zinc washer for the anode and a penny for the cathode. Together the three batteries produce just over 2.5 volts and a maximum of about 0.1 mA. Rice. 3: Electroplating pile made from a stack of pennies, zinc washers and paper stickers soaked in vinegar. The stack is housed in a plastic coin tube, which is used in coin collectors. Twenty cells are stacked on top of each other to produce 15 volts and a maximum current of about 0.2 mA.

Rice. 4: Holes are drilled in the ends of the tube to access the ends of the battery. Staples are inserted as shown to make the connection.

examples of homemade batteries

coke oven battery

Figure 1 shows a battery consisting of a piece of thick copper ground wire, a strip of aluminum from a soda can, and a Coca-Cola glass.


+ ⇒ H_2 (gas)} $$

After the battery has been running for a while, hydrogen bubbles may appear on the copper cathode.

lemon battery (and other products)

The electrolyte does not have to be in the glass. The juice inside a lemon contains citric acid, which itself provides a good electrolyte. Cut two parallel lemon slices, insert a penny into one cut and a zinc washer into the other, and you have a lemon-powered battery that provides about 1.0 volts. Figure 2 shows three such batteries connected in series to power an LED.

Other citrus fruits (limes, oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, tomatoes) are also suitable. Potatoes (containing phosphoric acid) and pickles (containing acetic acid in vinegar) can be substituted.

simple galvanic heap

A piece of paper or cardboard soaked in vinegar and sandwiched between a penny and a zinc washer forms a battery that can provide a voltage of about 0.5 volts.


When many of these battery cells are arranged in series on top of each other, a “galvanic pile” is formed. In Fig. Figure 3 shows 20 of these battery cells stacked inside a plastic tube of the type used by coin collectors. Small holes are drilled into the ends of the case to provide access to the ends of the battery. As the voltmeter shows, the pile produces about 15 volts.

An even more compact battery can be made from just pennies, without zinc washers. In 1982, the composition of the US penny changed from 95% copper with 5% zinc to 97.5% zinc with 2.5% copper plating. By taking a penny minted after 1982 and sanding down the copper on one side (you may need a grinder for this operation), you can create a sandwich of copper and zinc that is ideal for galvanizing the pilings that have been removed at the anode. thereby maintaining charge balance in that area. With the addition of salt, a water battery can perform the same as the acid batteries mentioned above.

additional resources

Concerned about Uncle Sam's views on using US currency for scientific experiments? Read the official announcement on this issue at https://www.federalregister.gov/articles/2007/04/16/E7-7088/prohibited -… which states:

“The regulation includes an exception for treatment. 5 and 1 cent coins for educational, entertainment, novelty, jewelry and similar purposes, provided that the volumes handled and the nature of the processing clearly demonstrate that such circulation is not intended as a means solely to profit from the value of the metallic content of the coins."

Calcination and drying at home

Hobbyists are interested in how to dry electrodes at home if there are no special ovens. To do this, use conventional ovens in which pies are baked.

  1. Unpack the electrodes and take the amount needed for work.
  2. Place in the oven. It is advisable to use a lattice rather than a sheet.
  3. Turn on intense all-round heating.
  4. Set the temperature to more than 200⁰, which can be obtained in this oven model.
  5. Leave for 2 hours.
  6. Transfer to a thermal case.

The oven used is electric. When burning, a gas wick releases soot, moisture and other substances that settle on the coating and worsen its properties.

Drying electrodes at home can be done using a thermal pencil case. You need to take your passport and look at the maximum heating temperature. Then check the table on the electrode packaging. It depends on the material of the rod. Heat the chamber to maximum, after 2 hours switch to 110⁰. This temperature is enough to dry the electrodes.

A wire rated at 2 kW usually comes into the house from a pole. It may not withstand the load from the thermal pencil case.

Some craftsmen who do a lot of welding recommend simply placing the electrodes in a pack on a heating radiator. They claim that the coating completely dries within a few days. For simple structures that do not require particularly strong seams, this method may be suitable.

Proper heating is carried out at temperatures above 100⁰ so that the water evaporates. The amount of air should be small with a minimum moisture content.

Making a pencil case for electrodes with your own hands does not seem difficult. It looks like a small muffle furnace. Mineral wool or asbestos pipe is used as a heat insulator.

The chamber is made of a stainless steel sheet 2 mm thick. The top is covered with insulating fabric. Then the spiral is wound. A fire hose can be used as a material for the camera. It can withstand temperatures up to 200⁰C, is impervious to moisture and is made of electrically insulating fabric. The ends of the spiral are brought back and everything is covered with mineral wool.

The body can be made from a metal sheet, using the remains of a laminated roof and metal profiles. It is divided into 2 parts. The front one is large and accommodates a thermal chamber. There is a small space at the back for installing the switch and wiring. A handle is attached to the top for moving. A bracket is mounted in front - a stop.

The camera wrapped in mineral wool is placed in the housing and secured. The lid is double, inside there is a layer of heat insulation.

It is difficult to heat electrodes in a homemade chamber. It is used more like a dryer.

Graphite Aluminum Battery - DIY - Indigo Instruments

Graphite Aluminum Batteries

The progress we've been waiting for?
Fast-charging, long-lasting batteries for cell phones, laptops, electric vehicles, and even solar panels have long been desired. Consumer products have become so complex that even lithium batteries are now too limited and their safety and environmental friendliness for disposal are a concern.


An aluminum graphite battery can fix all that.

A recent announcement by researchers at Stanford University shows the promise of a revolutionary leap forward with cheap and accessible materials. See Nature for the full article (full access requires user rights).

The Stanford report says the graphite-aluminum battery can provide ultra-fast charging, a huge number of recharge cycles, and can be disposed of relatively safely. There is still much work to be done to commercialize this work, but there are some simple materials that will allow the curious to do some basic research on their own.

Basic copper-zinc battery

Most chemistry and physics teachers are familiar with lemon or potato batteries, such as the strips of copper and zinc electrodes with alligator clips shown below. This combination produces enough current and voltage to operate small lights and electric motors.

Copper-zinc electrodes for assembling a simple fruit or potato battery. Get a 10-wire electrode combo kit to make variations of this.

Aluminum graphite battery

A very simple replication of the Stanford experiments can be done using our carbon (graphite) and aluminum electrodes, as shown below.

Aluminum graphite battery simple; use large test tubes with a solution of salt or citric acid.

We tried to conduct a side-by-side comparison of a copper-zinc electrode battery with a graphite-aluminum one. Instead of lemons, we used test tubes filled with water and citric acid.

The copper-zinc combination produced about 900 mV, while the carbon-aluminum produced about 600 mV. You can also use vinegar instead of citric acid in this test tube. The difference in the Stanford work is that a saline solution was used as the electrolyte. Our test tube can do this too, although we haven't tried it yet.

Two groups of test tubes with a rack, as shown below, were connected in such a way that 2 “cells” were in series and the other two were in parallel. This setting gives different voltage and current values. You can connect many of these cells to generate even higher voltages and currents.

Multi-cell chemical batteries for test tubes. Note: This version above is no longer available.

We'll be testing variations of this simple design ourselves further down the line, but for now there are plenty of potential experiments for home or high school, study and science fair. Let us know your thoughts.

  1. Electrodes
  2. Test tubes (use 25 mm or larger)
  3. Test tube rack

Choosing an inexpensive oven for drying and calcining electrodes - a review of the best options

During storage, even if it is organized according to the rules, welding electrodes lose some of their properties. This is primarily due to the fact that they absorb moisture to some extent. Calcination (drying) restores the characteristics of products and ensures the proper quality of the weld.

In practice (in everyday life), ovens (electric) are used to dry electrodes. In this case, the recommended temperature should be within +250 °C, and the time to perform the operation should be about 2 hours (± 30 minutes), although much depends on the type of electrodes. There are various models of furnaces for calcining electrodes on the market, which differ in both size and weight. Some are intended only for permanent placement, others are portable.

What to pay attention to

  • Supply voltage. It can be 380, 220 or 36 (V). You should consider where the stove will be installed and how to connect it. If it is not possible (or economically unfeasible) to lay a new “line”, then you will have to rely on the voltage that is already “introduced” into the room.
  • Power. The higher it is, the less time it will take to heat treat the electrodes.
  • Type of heating elements and the possibility of replacing them and purchasing spare ones.
  • Features of temperature control and its limit values.
  • Capacity of the thermal chamber (volume of its loading). Typically expressed in “kg”.
  • Linear parameters. They are determined in accordance with the chosen installation location of the stove.
  • Weight. It is important if the cabinet is to be systematically transported to a new work site.

Quite a few companies are engaged in the production of furnaces for calcining electrodes. Each model has its own specific features, which is why the price range is quite wide - from several to tens of thousands of rubles. For household use or small businesses, purchasing expensive stoves is hardly advisable.

After all, such products are not universal in application, since they solve a relatively narrow range of problems.

"PSPE"

Such stoves are available in various modifications, and the cost of the most expensive is about 34,000 rubles. From the point of view of the optimal combination of price and functionality for everyday use, it is advisable to choose two cabinets. They are similar in basic parameters. They are powered by 220 V and have a temperature control range from +50 to +400 °C. Even the dimensions are almost the same (L-W) - 222 x 710 (mm). The only difference is the height. For the “10 – 400” series oven it is 305 mm, and the “20 – 400” product is 30 mm higher.

Loading volume: for “10” – 10, for “20” – 20 (kg). The weight of the cabinets is 15 and 18 kg, respectively, which allows them to be transported even in a personal car. The power of the “ten” is 0.7 kW, for the “twenty” it is 2 times higher.

“10 – 400” – 4,180 rubles;

“20 – 400” – 6,475 rubles.

"EPSE"

Power 1.0 kW (220 V) allows you to simultaneously process up to 10 kg of electrodes. The maximum temperature is 400 0C. Cabinet weight 15 kg (222 x 720 x 265).

Price – 3,485 rubles. A model with a load of 20 kg costs about 1,000 rubles more.

There is other special equipment for drying (separate models and for storing) electrodes - portable heat chambers weighing up to 10 kg (for example, “SNO”) and thermal cases. The latter are often manufactured to order, so their design can be almost anything. For example, a plastic case. But they have a limitation on the temperature of the working environment - as a rule, no more than 350 ° C, although in many cases this is quite enough.

For example, one of the cheapest thermal cases (PT - 5) costs 1,215 rubles. The most expensive model of this series (PT - 5 - 150) with a load of up to 5 kg - 4,490 rubles.

What to consider

  • Additional heat treatment of the electrodes can be carried out up to 3 times, no more. If, as a result of the third calcination, it is not possible to improve the performance of the product, then it is rejected as unsuitable for further use.
  • For different types of electrodes, their own optimal drying modes are selected. For example, “E-42T” is kept for 1 hour at 180 °C, and E42A-F-E55-F - at 400 °C for 1.5 to 2 hours. Therefore, before heat treatment of products, it is necessary to clarify the features of the calcination technology of a particular product.

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Timing and types

Electrodes are used for steels with different levels of alloying elements, structural, heat-resistant, ductile metals, surfacing.

Brands intended for a specific type of work are classified by coated rods. The most popular SSSIs are:

  • UONI 13-45 rods contain nickel and molybdenum;
  • UONI 13-65 is used for welding in difficult conditions, since work from any position is possible.
  • MP-3S for low-alloy raw materials;
  • MP-3T for carbon steels;
  • LB-52u – pipe welding;
  • OK 53.70 – low carbon;
  • OK 46.00;
  • OZS-6;
  • OZS-12.

A mandatory element is a protective coating consisting of:

  • components for arc combustion;
  • deoxidizers;
  • kaolin, mica;
  • aluminum, silicon;
  • binders.

Based on the composition, the following types are distinguished:

  • cellulose - used for direct and alternating current. Disadvantage: splashing;
  • sour is not used for vertical position;
  • rutile is not suitable for steel with high sulfur and carbon content;
  • mainly effective for joining thick metal.

The letters indicate the thickness of the coating:

  • M – thin;
  • C – average;
  • D – thick;
  • G – especially thick.

Subject to proper conditions, they have an unlimited shelf life and storage.

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Storage rules

As you can imagine, proper storage directly affects the shelf life of welding electrodes, so take this seriously.

We wrote above that the rules are established by GOST. All manufacturers, suppliers, sellers and welders are required to comply with it. Electrodes deteriorate most during transportation, so inspect them carefully after opening the package.

How to properly store electrodes? According to the rules, the rods must be stored in a dry, warm room.

The optimal air temperature is 14-16 degrees Celsius, and the optimal humidity is no more than 50%. Use special devices to control temperature and humidity. They can be either hand-held, portable or stationary, mounted on a wall indoors.

The room itself must be thoroughly waterproofed.

Do not have open openings through which snow, rain or wind can enter the room. If the room has windows and doors, they must have seals. The presence of large gaps between window or door openings and the wall is excluded.

The ideal option is an insulated, waterproofed warehouse, with an electronic temperature and humidity control system. But this option is not possible if you are engaged in home welding. Therefore, use your garage or storage room as a warehouse, install an outdoor thermometer on the wall and purchase a psychrometer.

Electrodes are stored at a constant temperature; changes are also unacceptable. The electrode coating easily absorbs moisture or becomes dry, which may shorten the shelf life. The shelf life of welding electrodes can be increased if you follow our recommendations:

  • Store electrodes in boxes or boxes made of thick cardboard, do not place them on the floor or open ground. It is better to put them on shelves or pallets. This will protect the rods from excessive condensation.
  • Do not leave open packaging outside. If you do not have this opportunity (for example, you carry out welding work outside the workshop or garage), then protect the packaging from moisture and dust by wrapping it in thick paper or putting it in a box.
  • Immediately close the package containing the electrodes.

If you usually use few materials, then the shelf life of welding electrodes can be increased by making a special case for them from PVC pipe. Below is a training video on how to make such a pencil case. 

Peculiarities

Welding with a carbon electrode was invented by our compatriot N. N. Benardos in 1882. Its development immediately received a patent in many foreign countries. It is curious that the inventor himself called his creation “electrohephaestus,” which contains an obvious reference to ancient Greek myths. For the manufacture of modern electrodes, a special material is used - amorphous electrical carbon. Normal operation is ensured only by those options that do not have channels inside.

It is worth considering the following nuances:

  • very small difference between boiling and melting points (3800 and 4200 degrees, respectively);
  • unsuitable for operation in reverse polarity mode (it is extremely unstable);
  • relatively low (compared to a metal fusible electrode) efficiency;
  • high sensitivity of the arc to external influences, including magnetic fields.

Why do you need a thermal pencil case?

One of the optimal means for heat treatment, or more precisely, storage, are thermal cases for electrodes.

The main function of this device is the preservation of pre-calcined materials (see how to properly calcinate and how to calcinate them at home) in favorable conditions with a relative humidity of no more than 80% and maintaining the optimal temperature for heating.

In this case, the thermal pencil case performs two main functions:

  • creating and maintaining a certain temperature level at which it is necessary to contain materials to preserve their technical properties;
  • warming up the electrodes.
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