What Is a Welding Rod? A Beginner-Friendly Guide to Types and Uses
Welding rods are the most underrated tools in the welding world. If it is a gate you are patching, fabricating industrial machinery, or constructing a steel bridge, the right welding rod can make or break the job literally.
Now, what is a welding rod, really? What are the different types that exist? And how can you select the one that fits your metal, method, and job conditions best? Let’s find out.
What Is a Welding Rod?
A welding rod (or welding electrode) is a metal filler used to join two base metals by welding. It serves as a current conductor and, in most cases, melts to become the weld joint. The rod may be consumable (it goes into the weld) or non-consumable (it just makes the arc).
For example, for arc welding processes such as Stick (SMAW), TIG (GTAW), or MIG (GMAW), various types of rods or wires have to be selected according to the job.
Why Welding Rods Matter?
The welding rod is not only a holder for your weld; it also decides all the characteristics of the joint, from its strength, corrosion resistance, color, and even how easily you can handle it.
Types of Welding Rods (and Electrodes)
Generally speaking, welding rods can be divided into two categories.
1. Consumable Electrodes
As these rods get hot, they melt and become part of the weld.
- Stick Welding Rods (SMAW): These rods are coated and are used in Shielded Metal Arc Welding. Common examples: 6010, 6013, 7018.
- MIG Wire (GMAW): In the same way, a consumable electrode in the form of wire is also used. It is installed from a reel continuously and melts into the joint.
2. Non-Consumable Electrodes
These do not melt during welding and only generate the arc.
- TIG Electrodes (GTAW): Made of tungsten or tungsten alloys. They remain intact while a separate filler rod is added by hand if needed to make the weld pool.
Popular Stick Welding Rods and What They’re Good For
| Electrode | Description | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| 6010 | Deep penetration, fast-freezing slag, forceful & spray arc | Ideal for root run welding of pipes, storage tanks, galvanized tanks, etc in all positions |
| 6013 | Smooth arc, moderate penetration, all position welding | Good for sheet metal, beginner’s choice, most versatile for general purpose applications |
| 7018 | Low hydrogen, high strength & sub-zero toughness | Structural welding, pressure vessels for higher impact and dynamic & fatigue load applications |
A bit of advice: 7018 is usually the best option for welding rods if you want weld metals, especially in critical work where toughness in combination with strength is required. But if you are a beginner, 6013 will be much easier to work with.
Welding Rod Classification: What Do Those Numbers Mean?
The American Welding Society (AWS) classifies welding electrodes using a number code like E7018. The main features of this code are:
- E = Electrode
- 70 = Tensile strength (70,000 psi)
- 18 = Coating type, Polarity & Current, Welding position
This is a great guide to a rod that matches your job, considering mechanical strength, welding position, and electrical compatibility.
Flux-Coated vs Bare (Uncoated) Welding Rods
- Coated Rods (e.g., 7018): They make the weld cleaner and stronger by providing shielding from the welding pool gases and protect the arc from atmospheric contaminations.
- Uncoated Rods: Used in specialized applications, as filler wires in TIG welding.
Welding Rod Sizes and Materials
Rod sizes can range from 1/16” to 1/4”. The choice depends on metal thickness and welding current.
Regarding materials, rods are commonly categorized as following:
- Mild steel
- Low Alloy Steel
- Stainless steel
- Cast iron
- Aluminium
- Nickel
- Bronze
- Hard-Surfacing, etc
Any metal type requires a particular electrode for strength and quality that matches.
MIG vs TIG: Do They Use Welding Rods?
- MIG Welding uses a wire electrode that feeds through a gun automatically, like a welding rod on a spool.
- TIG Welding uses a tungsten electrode to create the arc while you add the filler rod by hand.
So yes, both process use electrodes but in very different forms. To learn more, refer to our blog, TIG vs. MIG Welding Machines: Which One Should You Choose.
Wrapping Up
Picking the correct rod for welding is not only about the method but also involves availability of resources, compatibility, safety, and performance. There are so many types of welding rods and electrodes that it is quite tough to figure out their features, strengths, and best use cases. However, once you understand all these, you can judiciously select the right product whether you work at home or on the shop floor welding.
Are you still searching for high-quality welding rods or electrodes? Ador Welding has a broad range of products covering wide applications, long-lasting quality with high-performance characteristics for each industrial sector.
FAQs
1] What is a welding rod?
A welding rod is a filler metal that either melts into the weld (consumable) or helps generate an arc without melting (non-consumable).
2] Which is better, 6013 or 7018?
7018 offers stronger, cleaner welds with low hydrogen content—ideal for dynamically loaded structural work. 6013 is easier for beginners and works well on thinner metals.
3] How many types of welding rod are there?
Dozens, but they broadly fall into categories like; stick rods (SMAW), MIG wires (GMAW), TIG electrodes (GTAW) and SAW wires & fluxes with each having multiple variants.
4] What is the purpose of a welding rod in arc welding?
It conducts electricity and provides filler metal to suitably join two workpieces.
5] Are all welding rods consumable?
No. TIG rods (like tungsten) are non-consumable, while stick and MIG electrodes are consumable.
6] Which welding rod is best for beginners?
E6013 it’s easier to strike and maintain the arc hence ideal for the beginners.
7] Can I use the same welding rod for all metals?
No. Welding rods must match the base metal and application. Selection of the wrong rod can lead to a weak joint or weld failure.
8] What is the significance of different diameter of electrodes?
Generally the selection depends on the thickness of the adjoining plate or the job.
