Rating of the best welding electrodes in 2022

Welding electrodes are special metal rods used for welding. They come in several types, depending on the type of welding and metals. The electrodes must be used strictly for their intended purpose. They are divided into metallic (consumable and non-consumable - tungsten, thoriated, etc.) and non-metallic (non-consumable - coal or graphite). Consumable electrodes are coated (cast iron, steel, aluminum, bronze, copper) and uncoated. The holder for this equipment is usually selected separately, it is desirable to have the possibility of fixing electrodes of different diameters.

Main types of electrodes

This welding equipment is divided into main classes, regarding the type of metal used:

1. For welding heat-resistant alloy steel;
2. For high alloy steel;
3. For structural steel (for arc welding);
4. For metal surfacing;
5. For non-ferrous metals;
6. For cast iron;
7. For thin metal (the thinnest - less than 2 mm in diameter).

Types of electrodes by type of their coating

Letter designations indicate the type of electrode coating:

• A - acid coating, containing silicon, manganese, iron;
• B - the main coating, which includes calcium fluoride and calcium carbonate. Suitable for welding with direct current of variable polarity;
• C - cellulose coating with an organic base;
• R - rutile coating. Additionally contains organic matter and minerals.

Types of electrodes by welding position

The choice of the position of the current conductor is a serious aspect of the welding process. There are several valid positions:

1. Any provisions;
2. Any position other than vertical top to bottom;
3. Bottom (vertical from top to bottom and horizontal);
4. Down position.

Types of electrodes for operation at direct current

This type of welding is the easiest, safest and most reliable, providing a smooth seam. In this case, special electrodes are used that are suitable specifically for conducting direct current:

1. MR-3S. Has a blue marking.It is used for welding carbon and low-alloy steel, provides a high-quality and even seam, facilitates the process.
2. OZS-4. Electrodes with red marking. Suitable for welding carbon and low alloy steels, as well as for oxidized surfaces.
3. OZS-12. These are red electrodes designed for critical structures (made of low-carbon steel). Welding is allowed in all positions except vertical.
4. SSSI 13/45. Products with a basic coating for welding pressure vessels, metals with a large thickness, as well as for the welding process of possible defects. Suitable for low alloy and carbon steel.
5. SSSI 13/55. For working with pressure vessels, building steel structures (from low-alloy and carbon steels).

Types of electrodes for welding on cast iron

Since cast iron is one of the most common materials, it is worth considering separately the types of electrodes used for welding products from this material. It should be noted that DC electrodes are used for melting cast iron.

1. MNP-2. Allows welding in the lower, vertical and semi-ceiling position with direct current of reverse polarity.
2. OZCH-2. For malleable and gray cast iron in the lower and vertical position, with DC reverse polarity.
3. MNP-4. For cast iron of any kind in vertical and down position (direct current reverse polarity).
4. TsCh-4. It is used only in the lower position for cold and hot welding. Allows the fusion of cast iron with other types of steel. At high voltage, the current becomes alternating.
5. OZCH-4. For working with any kind of cast iron, in the upper and lower position, only with direct current of reverse polarity.
6. OZZHN-1.Electrode for cold welding of ductile and gray cast iron in the lower and vertical position.
7. OK 92.18. For welding under heating (with direct and alternating current).

Characteristics and selection criteria

One of the main parameters of welding electrodes is its coating, or rather its composition:

1. Rutile coated conductors. This also includes rutile-based mixed-coated conductors. These are the most popular electrodes, characterized by ease of ignition. Used for AC and DC in any position.
2. With basic cover. Usually used for DC welding. They provide a plastic seam, but are distinguished by difficult ignition and increased sensitivity to moisture.
3. Acid coated. Like rutile products, they are used for inverters, however, work in this case must be done in a well-ventilated area.
4. For beginners, electrodes of the OZS-12 type are suitable, while UONI are more professional work.
5. Manual arc welding involves the use of a welding inverter. The elements for this apparatus must be dry and undamaged. They are selected according to the type of inverter, regarding the technical characteristics of this device.
6. The weight of one electrode for each individual brand is different, depending on the materials used. The mass of electrodes in a pack according to the standard should be 3 kg, 5 kg and 8 kg for electrodes with a diameter of 2.5 mm, 3-4mm, 4mm, respectively.

The best electrodes for amateur and professional welding

The rating includes the most popular models of this welding element, designed for manual arc welding of common types of steel. These are products with rutile and basic coating.

Rating of the best electrodes with a rutile type of coating

Elements with a coating of this type (including rutile-cellulose) are used for alternating and direct current. Differ in easy primary and repeated ignition, resistance to dampness. Welding can be done in all positions.

MR-3S

Popular Russian-made electrical conductors (SpetsElectrod firm) suitable for household work, extended arc welding is acceptable. Consumption: 1.7 kg per 1 kg of metal. The calcination mode is required for an hour at a temperature of 120 to 160 degrees. The main distinguishing feature of this model is the guaranteed stability of the arc, the possibility of welding in any position. Does not form slag and porous inclusions. Suitable for welding unfinished surfaces (e.g. those with rust). The average cost is 890 rubles.

• arc stability;
• easy ignition;
• simplified welding process;
• high quality welding.

• high sensitivity to dampness;
• fakes are common.

ANO-4

Another well-known model from a Russian manufacturer (LEZ - Losinoostrovsky Electrode Plant), distinguished by quality and versatility. Baking mode for an hour at a temperature of 180 to 200 degrees. Welding with a short and medium arc is possible. These products are used for welding critical joints in any position. Used with equipment connected to the mains (DC and AC). There are no defects during operation, the seams are of high quality and reliability. The average price is - 109 rubles.

• the deposited metal does not form flaws;
• ease of ignition;
• simple separation of slags.

• moisture sensitivity;
• inadmissibility of welding in a vertical position.

ESAB OZS-12

Consumable elements from the ESAB-SVEL subsidiary of the Swedish manufacturer ESAB, used for working with carbon and low alloy steel. The main feature is the formation of smooth rollers and a neat seam. There is no tendency to cracking in the weld metal. The average cost is 820 rubles.

• high quality seam;
• accurate formation of the roller;
• guaranteed strength of connections.

• calcination is required before use;
• the need for thermal storage.

ESAB SVEL OK 46.00

The brand of reliable electrodes of the Russian-Swedish company, a distinctive feature of which is a stable fast ignition and combustion even with a slight dampness. In addition, they are not afraid of corrosion and pollution. Work can be carried out in any direction and position, with direct and alternating current. Thanks to this, it is possible to work with unprotected surfaces, and the seam is durable. For calcination, a temperature of 80 to 90 degrees is required. The average price is 830 rubles.

• the possibility of welding at a minimum current;
• easy ignition;
• simple slag separation;
• the possibility of welding rusty and contaminated surfaces.

• not suitable for pipe welding.

Omnia 46 (KD 46)

Inexpensive electrodes from the popular American company Lincoln Electric provide perfect ignition. This welding equipment is certified for carbon and low alloy steel and can be welded in any position. They are simple and easy to use, so they are well suited for beginner welders. Can be used on a budget welding machine (inverter). Suitable for welding pipes, as the seams are of high quality and resistance to stress. The average cost is 182 rubles.

• stable arc burning;
• no sticking;
• easy separation of slags;
• low sensitivity to arc length;
• few sparks during operation;
• ease of use even with budget equipment.

• mandatory calcination.

Resanta MP 3

A common brand of welding electrodes, characterized by easy ignition. They allow welding in any direction, they are not afraid of pollution, and slag is easily removed after work. In addition, this product does not have an increased sensitivity to the quality of the welded steel. The average cost is 450 rubles.

• affordable price;
• use with direct and alternating current;
• no pore formation occurs.

• when damp, the quality of the seam suffers;
• not suitable for high carbon steel;
• calcination is required.

Rating of the best electrodes with the main type of coating

This type of coating is designed to work with direct and alternating current. They form high quality seams, so this product can be used for critical joints. However, in this case, difficulties arise with ignition of the arc, in addition, the product is sensitive to moisture. In this regard, there is a need for calcination of electrodes, while the calcination modes of different brands are different.

UONI 13/55

A very popular brand of reliable electrodes from the Russian company Tigarbo, ideal for household DC welding.Designed for welding critical structures made of carbon and low alloy steels, as well as joints exposed to low temperatures. The seam differs in plasticity and viscosity. The average cost is 600 rubles.

• low sensitivity to dampness;
• no harmful inclusions are formed in the seams;
• creation of durable and reliable connections;
• stable protection of the weld pool from oxygen.

• the need for surface treatment before work;
• difficult arc ignition (including repeated);
• obligatory control over the length and condition of the arc.

EA-400/10U

Russian-made electrodes designed for welding critical joints made of stainless, corrosion-resistant steel, as well as products exposed to aggressive environments (temperatures up to +360 degrees). Can be used in any position and direction. The average price is 900 rubles.

• convenient ignition;
• stable arc burning;
• the quality matches the price.

• the need for careful storage from moisture;
• calcination is required.

LB-52U

Welding elements of the Japanese company Kobelco, which cope well with welding low-carbon steels at direct and alternating current. Suitable for welding critical structures, pipelines. Connections differ in tightness, high quality of impact strength. Another advantage is the formation of a reverse roller, which is distinguished by accuracy. The average price is 1,700 rubles.

• high strength and purity of the seam;
• ease of use;
• maintenance and control of the arc in any direction.

• mandatory calcination before starting work;
• when damp, quality deteriorates;
• high price.

OZL-8

A brand of Russian-made electrodes used for stainless steel, as well as materials whose composition is characterized by a high content of chromium and nickel. The product is only suitable for reverse polarity DC operation, and the arc length must be short. The seam is durable, not afraid of corrosion. The average price is - 530 rubles.

• no cracks in the seam;
• easy separation of slag;
• ideal for working with stainless steel.

• degradation of characteristics during dampening.

Which brand of welding electrode to choose?

Products of both foreign and Russian firms show high performance. The most common brands of welding electrodes that have a large number of positive reviews among professional and novice welders. The most popular companies producing basic and rutile electrodes are:

1. SSSI. The product UONI 13/55 has a basic coating, is distinguished by an affordable price, and provides a reliable seam. In addition, it is affordable and popular, so it is easy to get it in any relevant store.
2. Kobelco. Products of this company also have a basic coating, they need to be pre-calcined to remove excess moisture. Suitable for welding pipes and serious structures.
3. ESAB-SVEL. The equipment of this company does not need serious annealing, as it does not have a high sensitivity to moisture. Work can be carried out at a minimum current, which allows you to work with thin-walled steel.
4. Lincoln Electric. The electrodes of this company are inexpensive, are distinguished by rapid ignition, and form a high-strength seam.
5. OZL-8. Electrodes for welding stainless steel, as well as metals containing chromium and nickel. Differ in high cost.
6. Resanta MP-3. When damp, this product will require prolonged calcination at an average temperature, otherwise the quality of the seam will noticeably drop.

In addition to popular brands of electrodes, there is a variety of welding elements that have a narrow scope and are not used in everyday life.

In general, it is worth noting that the quality of the formed seam, the speed of the process, the safety and comfort of work depend on the parameters and characteristics of the selected welding electrodes. Reliable equipment guarantees a reliable work result, which is why it is necessary to select it carefully and responsibly.