Understanding Stick Welding Rod Number Meaning

Stick welding rods have a unique numbering system that can be confusing at first, but once you understand it, it's actually quite straightforward.

The first digit of the rod number indicates the tensile strength of the weld in thousands of pounds per square inch (psi). For example, a rod with a 6010 designation has a tensile strength of 60,000 psi.

The second digit represents the shielding gas used, with 0 indicating air shielding and 1 indicating a gas-shielded rod. This is important to note because it affects the performance of the rod.

The third and fourth digits indicate the type of shielding gas used and the rod's chemical composition, respectively.

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Stick welding rods have unique numbers that indicate their properties, and understanding these numbers is crucial for selecting the right rod for the job. The numbers are divided into four or five digits, each with a specific meaning.

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The first two digits indicate the tensile strength of the electrode in thousand pounds per square inch (psi). For example, E6010 has a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi, while E7018 has a minimum tensile strength of 70,000 psi. This means that the weld metal can withstand a certain amount of force before failing.

The third digit describes the welding position the rod is suitable for. A 1 indicates that the rod can be used in all positions, while a 2 means it's only suitable for flat and horizontal welding. A 4 indicates that the rod can be used in flat, horizontal, vertical down, and overhead positions. Here's a summary of the welding positions:

The fourth digit indicates the flux composition and current. The chart below explains the different coatings and currents:

The fifth digit, if present, defines optional designators.

The final two digits of the welding rod number may seem like a mystery, but they actually hold important information. These two digits combined indicate the correct current to use and the type of flux coating.

The current refers to whether the rod can be used on an AC or DC stick welder. This is a crucial consideration, as using the wrong type of current can lead to poor weld quality or even damage the welder.

The type of flux coating is also indicated by the final two digits. This will tell you what kind of coating is on the rod, which can affect how it behaves during the welding process.

For example, the E6010 electrode has a flux coating that is high in cellulose sodium. This coating is designed to work well with DC+ current.

Low Alloy Steel Composition Suffix Codes are used to indicate the chemical composition of the weld metal. This is done through a combination of letters and numbers that follow the standard four or five-digit electrode number.

The suffix code can be one of several letters, each representing a different type of steel alloy. For example, "A" represents a carbon-molybdenum steel electrode, while "B" is for a chromium-molybdenum steel electrode.

Additional reading: Best Welding Rod for Galvanized Steel

Here's a breakdown of what the suffix code can mean:

The last number in the suffix code provides more information about the chemical composition of the weld metal. For instance, the suffix code "B2L" indicates that the deposited metal chemical composition is a low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel with 1.25% chromium and 0.50% molybdenum, and it also has a lower carbon content.

Here's a chart summarizing the different suffix codes and their corresponding chemical composition ranges:

0.40% – 0.65% Mo-B2Chromium-Molybdenum1.00% – 1.50% Cr

0.40% – 0.65% Mo-B2LChromium-MolybdenumB2 with lower Carbon-B3Chromium-Molybdenum2.00% – 2.50% Cr

0.90% – 1.20% Mo-B3LChromium-MolybdenumB3 with lower Carbon-B4LChromium-Molybdenum1.75% – 2.25% Cr

0.40% – 0.65% Mo-B5Chromium-Molybdenum0.40% – 0.60 Cr

1.00% – 1.25 Mo-B6was E5024.6% – 6.0 Cr

0.45% – 0.65 Mo-B8was E5058.0% – 10.5% Cr

0.8% – 1.2% Mo-C1Nickel Steel2.00% – 2.75% Ni-C1LNickel SteelC1 with lower Carbon-C2Nickel Steel3.00% – 3.75% Ni-C2LNickel SteelC2 with lower Carbon-C3Nickel Steel0.80% – 1.10% Ni-NMNickel-Molybdenum0.80% – 1.10% Ni

0.40% – 0.65% Mo-D1Manganese-Molybdenum1.00% – 1.75% Mn

0.25% – 0.45% Mo-D2Manganese-Molybdenum1.65% – 2.00% Mn

0.25% – 0.45% Mo-D3Manganese-Molybdenum1.00% – 1.80% Mn

0.40% – 0.65% Mo-WWeathering SteelNi, Cr, Mo, Cu-GNo required chemistry-MMilitary gradeMay have more requirements

A different take: Nickel Welding Rod

The E6013 stick welding rod is a popular choice for many welders due to its ease of use and versatility. It's a mild steel electrode that can be used in all positions, making it a great option for a variety of projects.

One of the key characteristics of E6013 is its low penetration, which makes it ideal for sheet metal and light fabrication. It's also very forgiving of surface impurities like paint and rust, which can be a big plus when working with old or dirty metal.

E6013 is often used for repairs, such as fixing an old tractor fender, because it can make quick and easy work of minor repairs with visually pleasing welds and minimal clean-up. It's also suitable for general-purpose welding.

The E6013 rod is coated with a rutile-based coating and has a tensile strength of typically 60,000 psi. It's a great option for welders who need a reliable and easy-to-use rod for a variety of projects.

Here are some key facts about E6013:

Stick welding rods are identified by a unique four- or five-digit alphanumerical code that tells you what you need to know about the rod. The first letter, "E", stands for "electrode", the consumable, conductive part of the welding circuit creating the arc.

The first two numbers identify the tensile strength of the electrode's filler material, given in thousand pounds per square inch reading. For example, E7018 has a tensile strength of 70,000 pounds. The third digit on the electrode identification number indicates the welding position, with 1 being suitable for all positions and 4 being suitable for flat, horizontal, vertical down, and overhead positions.

The fourth digit indicates the coating type and current, with different coatings and currents suitable for different welding tasks. For example, a coating of 0 indicates high cellulose sodium and DC+ welding current. Here's a table to help you decode the fourth digit:

The standard rod sizes are 3/32″, 1/8″, and 5/32,” which cover most welding projects.

The E6010 (SMAW) is a popular choice for welding, known for its deep penetration and versatility. It's often used for root passes in pipe welding.

This electrode type is suitable for welding in various positions, including vertical and overhead. Its tensile strength is typically 60,000 psi.

The coating type of E6010 is cellulose-based, which provides good arc stability and a smooth, clean weld. It's an all-position, mild steel electrode, making it a great option for general-purpose welding.

Here are some key characteristics of E6010 (SMAW) electrodes:

Stick welding rods come in a variety of types, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. The most common types of welding electrodes for mild steel are E6010, E6011, E6013, E7018, and E7024.

These rods can be identified by a four or five-digit alphanumerical code that tells you what you need to know, including the tensile strength of the electrode's filler material. The first two numbers identify the tensile strength, which is given in thousand pounds per square inch reading.

Recommended read: Welding Rod Types and Sizes

The third digit on the electrode identification number is important, as it indicates the suitability of the electrode for different welding positions. A number 1 means the electrode is suitable for all welding positions, while a number 2 means it's only suitable for flat and horizontal welding.

The coating type and current can be determined by the fourth numerical digit in the electrode identification number. For example, a digit 0 indicates a high cellulose sodium coating with DC+ current.

Here's a breakdown of the coating types and welding currents:

Some welding rods, like E6013, are known for their ease of use and smooth weld profiles, but with limited penetration and susceptibility to cracking. Others, like E7018, provide strong welds on clean metal and are commonly used in structural welding.

Low-alloy steel suffix codes can also provide valuable information about the chemical composition of the weld metal. For example, an electrode number like E7018-B2L indicates that the deposited metal has a chemical composition of low-alloy chromium-molybdenum steel with 1.25% chromium and 0.50% molybdenum, and a lower carbon content.

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You'll often find yourself using certain stick welding rods more than others, and it's good to know what they're used for. E6010, E6011, E6013, E7018, and E7024 are some of the most common types of welding electrodes for mild steel.

These rods have distinct characteristics that make them suitable for specific tasks. For example, E6010 is a pipe welder's electrode that provides deep penetration and is good for welding rusty metal.

The E6011 rod is similar to the E6010 but has AC capabilities, making it a good choice for repairs. E6013 is a versatile rod that's easy to run, but it has low penetration.

E7018 is a strong welder's rod that's commonly used in structural welding, producing strong welds on clean metal. E7024 is a high deposition rod, but it's only suitable for flat and horizontal welds.

Here's a brief rundown of these common rods:

The first two digits of a welding rod number indicate the tensile strength of the electrode in thousand psi. For example, an E6010 rod has a minimum tensile strength of 60,000 psi.

The third digit describes the welding position the rod is suitable for. A "1" means the rod can be used in all positions, while a "2" means it's only suitable for flat and horizontal positions.

Here's a breakdown of the third digit:

The fourth digit indicates the flux composition, and the fifth digit defines optional designators, but not all rods have a fifth digit.

The first two digits of a 4-digit welding rod number indicate the minimum tensile strength of the electrode in thousand psi, so one square inch of weld metal would not fail until over 60,000lbs force is applied.

The first digit of the rod number tells you the type of electrode, and in most cases, it's "E" for electrode. The second and third digits identify the tensile strength of the electrode's filler material, with 70 indicating 70,000 pounds of tensile strength.

If the third digit is a 1, it means the electrode is suitable for all welding positions. If it's a 2, it's only good for flat and horizontal welding. A 4 indicates the electrode is correct for welding in flat, horizontal, vertical down, and overhead positions.

The fourth digit on the rod number is crucial, as it tells you the coating type and current. For example, a 0 indicates high cellulose sodium with DC+ current, while a 1 means high cellulose potassium with AC, DC+, or DC- current.

Here's a quick reference chart to help you decipher the fourth digit:

Understanding these specialized rod numbers will help you choose the right electrode for your specific welding needs.

The numbers on a stick welding rod can be intimidating at first, but they hold a wealth of information. The first two digits indicate the tensile strength of the electrode's filler material, given in thousand pounds per square inch reading. For example, the E7018 rod has a tensile strength of 70,000 pounds.

The third digit tells you the welding position the rod is suitable for. If it's a 1, the rod can be used in any position, but if it's a 2, it's only good for flat and horizontal welding. A 4 means it's good for flat, horizontal, vertical down, and overhead positions.

The fourth digit indicates the coating type and current. Here's a breakdown of what each digit means:

The American Welding Society (AWS) developed this system to classify welding electrodes based on strength, welding positions, flux covering type, and alloying elements.