The price of welding rods or electrodes depends on their type, size, quantity and brand.
Different welding rods are made for different tasks, like welding mild steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.
Basic rods can be purchased for a reasonable price, while specialized or high-quality rods can cost more, but most often, prices run from $100 to $200 or more.
In this article, we’ll talk about welding rods, how to choose the right one for your job, and the price of welding rods in the Philippines.
What is Welding Rod?
A welding rod is a metal wire or rod that has a flux, which is a chemical substance that keeps the weld from rusting and getting dirty.
The flux also helps to keep the spark steady and makes the weld better. Welding rods are sorted by their tensile strength, which is how much force they can take before they break.
The first two or three digits of the welding rod number show the tensile strength in pounds per square inch (psi) or megapascals (MPa).
For example, the tensile strength of a 6010 welding rod is 60,000 psi or 410 MPa.
Welding Rod Specification
The welding rod standard also includes the position, polarity, and type of coating of the electrode.
The third figure of the welding rod number shows the position, which is the angle at which the rod can be used.
There are four different positions: flat (1), horizontal (2), vertical (3), and high (4).
The letter E (for positive electrode) or R (for negative electrode) after the number of the welding rod shows the direction of the electric current that runs through it.
The word that comes after the polarity letter shows what kind of coating it is and what it does.
Coatings come in many forms, like cellulose, rutile, iron powder, low hydrogen, etc.
Type of Welding Rod
There are many different kinds of welding rods on the market, but here are some of the most popular ones:
6010 Welding Rod
This electrode freezes quickly and makes a narrow weld ring with deep penetration. It works in any position and with either AC or DC power.
It’s perfect for welding pipes, tanks, and steel structures.
6011 Welding Rod
This is the same as 6010, but the coating has more cellulose in it, which makes it better for AC power.
It also makes more slag, which helps prevent flaws in the weld. You can use it to repair rusty or dirty metal.
6012 Welding Rod
This is a general-purpose electrode that makes a wide weld bead with medium depth.
It can work in all situations and with either AC or DC current. It works well for welding thin pieces of metal, car bodies, and farm tools.
6013 Welding Rod
This electrode is easy to use and makes a small hole and a smooth weld bead. It can work in all situations and with either AC or DC current.
It works well for welding small pieces of metal, furniture, and decorations.
7018 Welding Rod
This is a low-hydrogen electrode that makes welds that are strong and flexible with little spatter and slag.
It can work in all situations and with either AC or DC current. It works well for welding bridges, pressure tanks, and high-strength steel.
7024 Welding Rod
This is an iron-powder electrode that makes a flat weld bead and a fast rate of deposition.
Only flat or horizontal settings and DC current can be used with it. It works well for welding large pieces of metal, like when building ships or making things.
Welding Rod Price List
In the Philippines, the price of welding rods depends on the brand, type, size, and number of rods.
Here are some prices from different places for welding rods:
| Welding Rod Product | Price per Kilogram |
|---|---|
| Powerhouse 6013 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱120 |
| Powerhouse 7018 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱140 |
| Bestweld 6011 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱150 |
| Bestweld 7018 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱160 |
| Golden Bridge 6010 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱180 |
| Golden Bridge 7024 Welding Rod 1/8″ (3.2mm) | ₱200 |
Prices can change without notice, so it’s best to compare prices from different sellers before making a purchase.
You can also buy 20 to 100 of these welding rods at a lower price for some brands.
Things You Should Know about Welding Rod
Before you start welding, you should know a few things about welding rods, like:
- Which is better 6011 or 6013?
Both 6011 and 6013 are good electrodes for people who are just starting out because they are easy to use and can join different kinds of metal. But 6013 looks better and can weld thin metal, while 6011 has better depth and can weld dirty or rusty metal. The choice depends on what you like and how you want to use the metal. - What is the strongest welding rod?
The first two or three digits of a welding rod’s number show its tensile strength. This tells you how strong the rod is. The number shows how strong the welding stick is. For example, the tensile strength of a 7018 welding rod is 70,000 psi or 480 MPa, which is higher than the tensile strength of a 6010 welding rod, which is 60,000 psi or 410 MPa. - What is the 4 number on a welding rod?
The fourth number in the number of a welding rod tells you what kind of covering or flux is on the electrode. Different coats serve different purposes and have different qualities, like arc stability, slag formation, penetration, spatter, etc. For example, a 0 coating is a high-cellulose sodium type that makes deep entry and a strong arc, while an 8 coating is a low-hydrogen potassium type that makes smooth welds and a soft arc.
Welding rods are important parts of the welding process because they provide the filler material and protect the join.
Choosing the right welding rod for your project relies on a number of things, such as the type of metal, the position of the weld, the source of the current, and the result you want.
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