AWS A5.4: E307-16 rods: why in vacuum bags?

[kingnero]

The manufacturer is asked to deliver following rods in a vacuum bag (sahara pack):

E 18 8 Mn R 73 (according to EN1600)
E 307-16 (according to AWS A5.4)
rebake: 2h at 300°C

Specs come from their website.

designated usage: welding Hadfield steel.


Why are they asked to deliver in a sahara pack?
These rods aren't of the basic type, however I cannot find anything about their H2-content. Are they low-hydrogen rods?


I'd like to have some background info ready when I call them, hance I ask this question here first.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Duwe6]

Not low-hydrogen, like you thought. Probably the bagging is to protect the rods from contamination. A little oil, even a fine mist will ruin them. More than a couple of drops of water will [probably] ruin the whole container -- mfr will say they are ruined.

I prefer to keep my stainless SMAW rods in a 'warm', just hot enough to stay well above the dew point. Do NOT put them into the hot oven -- 250°F / 110°C minimum that low-hydrogen rods must be kept in.