Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
(OP)
I have a job site where the welder was welding the steel (joist seat welds, joist bottom chord to columns) with E7024 mild steel electrodes. We specify E7018 low hydrogen electrodes. I don't have enough of a background in welding knowledge to tell if this is a problem or not. The E7018 are recommended by the manufacturer for structural applications while the E7024 are recommneded for use on construction equipment, ships, and railcars. Does anyone have experience in what kind of problems this can have?






RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
If you insist on E7018 electrodes, make sure that the welder's certification is appropriate and that the rods are kept in a "rod oven" (or at least a closed container) so that moisture is not absorbed by the flux coating (negates the low hydrogen quality).
Low hydrogen electrodes are specified so as to minimize the effects or potential of hydrogen embrittlement of the weld cause when hydrogen diffuses into the weld metal. It is less of a problem in typical mild steels subjected to static loading than say, a bridge application.
In any case, make sure the welder is qualified and certified to weld the materials and positions demanded by the project.
RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
Rod
RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes
Rod...I agree. E7024 is not the right electrode for this application. Jet rods are fine for shop long welds in the shop but are miserable for start/stop work like clip angles.
RE: Low hydrogen welding rods vs. mild steel eletrodes