Types of Resistance Welding Electrodes

By Business & Finance Last updated Tuesday, June/04/2024

Electrodes affect the kind of welding that can be performed.welding project image by leemarusa from Fotolia.com

Resistance welding is the process of using electrically generated heat to create bonds between materials. This type of welding is faster than other forms of welding and is also very efficient. Welders are able to control exactly how much heat is used in the resistance welding process, and the heat can be reduced as the metal cools. Copper electrodes are the most common types of electrodes used in resistance welding. These electrodes help welders maintain the current density, concentrate the electrical current at different points and maintain the thermal balance.

Smooth Arc

Some electrodes deeply penetrate into the metal. The electrode produces a smooth arc and a low splatter. This type of welding is often used for equipment maintenance, such as with farm equipment, according to Welder Shop. Some deep electrodes are also used for repairing utilities, though the arc doesn't have to be as smooth and the splatter can be higher.

Electrodes with iron powder coating work faster than other electrodes. This type of electrode is used when the object to be welded cannot be held in a particular position for very long. The iron powder coated electrode is used on poor fitting joints and joints with a flat bed.

AC/DC straight and reverse polarity electrodes are used for thin metals found in low-voltage machines. These electrodes are also used for heavy sections of mild steel. Crack-resistant and splatter-free deposits work well for cast iron and ductile iron, according to Welder Shop. Splatter-free deposits are oxides that do not erupt off of an area when in a molten state. Shields protect the welder from the splatter.

Electrodes that produce a high nickel machineable deposit work for welded parts that have holes that need to be filled, such as with cast iron and ductile iron.

AC/DC all position electrodes are used to fuse different kinds of metal together, such as bronze, brass, copper, cast iron and steel, according to Welder Shop. Different kinds of metal can also be overlaid on cast iron or steel with this electrode.