Stick Welding

Stick Welding, also known as Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) or Covered Electrode, the most widely used of the various arc welding processes, utilizes a fixed length electrode and an electric power source to join a variety of different metals. The core of the covered electrode consists of a solid metal rod that is surrounded by a covering of mineral compounds and metal powders mixed with a binding agent to help them adhere to the surface of the electrode. The core rod conducts electric current to the arc and provides filler metal for the joint. The sizes and types of electrodes for Stick Welding define the arc voltage requirements (within the overall range of 16 to 40 volts) and the amperage requirements (within the overall range of 20 to 550 amp). The current may be either alternating or direct depending on the electrode used, but the power source must be able to control the level of current within a reasonable range to respond to the complex variables of the welding process itself.

The primary functions of the electrode covering are to provide arc stability and to shield molten metal from the atmosphere with gases created as the coating decomposes from the heat of the arc. This shielding controls the mechanical properties, chemical composition, and metallurgical structure of the weld metal, as well as the arc characteristics of the electrode. The composition of the electrode covering varies according to the type of electrode.

Why Use Stick Welding?

Stick Welding is an extremely versatile process with respect to location and environment of the operation. Welding can be done inside, outside, on a production line, a ship, a bridge, an oil refinery, a cross country pipeline, or similar types of locations. Gas and water hoses are not needed, and welding cables extend significantly beyond the power source. In remote areas, gasoline or diesel-powered units can be used
Equipment is relatively simple, inexpensive and portable
Auxiliary gas shielding or granular flux are not required
The process is less sensitive to wind and draft than gas-shielded arc welding processes
It can be used in areas where access is limited
The process is suitable for most of the commonly used metals and alloys

Stick Welding Limitations

Operator duty cycles are low compared with semi-automatic and automatic processes; this makes the cost per pound of deposited weld metal high with Stick Welding
Deposition rates are generally lower than for other welding processes
The process is considered to be manual as it is not easily mechanized
Stick Welding is not suitable for reactive metals such as titanium, zirconium, tantalum, and columbium because the shielding does not prevent oxygen contamination of the weld