Electrodes E46 belong to the consumable groupmaterials, which are used for welding carbon, as well as low-alloy steels. Carbon content in such material is not more than 0.25%. Low alloy steel is characterized by the fact that its temporary tensile strength is 590 MPa.
General information about electrodes
There are several parameters by which you canto distinguish electrodes of different brands. The most important are the properties relating to the mechanical properties of the weld metal, as well as the general joint by welding. These properties include the following: joint toughness, connection bending angle, temporary tear resistance, and elongation. Given these characteristics, and relying on GOST 9467-75, they are divided into several varieties.
Electrodes E46, E50, E38, E42 - belong to thegroup, which is used for welding steels with a time resistance of up to 490 MPa. It is important to note that the two digits that follow after the letter "E" is a numerical characteristic corresponding to the minimum temporary resistance of the weld metal or weld joint. This is measured in kgf / mm2.
Parameters of welding electrodes
Electrodes E46, as mentioned earlier,are designed to connect the structure with resistance up to 490 MPa. But the brands E42A, E46A and E50A are used for the same steels, but only if the quality of the seam is demanded for increased toughness or relative elongation.
It is important to note that all of these consumablesMaterials, including electrodes E46, are characterized by one more distinctive quality. All materials belonging to this group have welding-technological properties. In addition, you can use a welding machine with elements from this group at any position of the welding machine. It is also important to note that the nature of the welding current, the productivity of the process, the tendency to pore formation and, in some cases, the hydrogen content in the weld metal, does not affect the use of the consumable in any way. Electrodes E46 and other brands of this group can be operated with any of the listed indicators.
Rutile coating of electrode
The element that makes up the outer shellelectrodes, became rutile concentrate. This substance is a natural titanium dioxide. Electrodes of the type E46 and E42 belong to this category. A distinctive feature of working with such consumables: weld metal, obtained after welding, will correspond to the class of calm or semi-smooth steel. Another indicator of quality will be that the resistance of the weld metal to the formation of cracks after welding with a rutile-coated electrode will be higher than, for example, after welding with elements having an acid coating.
Benefits of elements
Electrodes of grade E46, related to rutilegroup, have several advantages when compared with other brands. Such positive qualities include the provision of a more stable and constant arc burning at the welding machine during its operation with alternating current. Another advantage is the small amount of metal loss that occurs when the material is sprayed. Another plus electrode E46 in accordance with GOST 9467-75 is the easy separation of the slag crust, as well as the good formation of the seam itself.
To positive factors of application of this brandelement can be attributed to a weak propensity to form pores with varying arc length, when performing welding operations with wet and rusted metal, as well as when working with an oxidized surface.
Here it is worth noting that there is another groupelectrodes, which can be attributed and E46, because they are very similar in their properties to rutile. The category of these consumables has an ilmenite coating and occupies an intermediate position between the acidic and rutile coating. The main substance of which the upper layer of the electrode of this category consists is ilmenite concentrate, which is a natural compound of titanium and iron dioxide.
Features of using E46
The best quality E46 electrodes with a diameter of 2.5 mm, 4 mm and others, exhibit welding low-alloy steels. Here's what advantages this application can give:
- The first distinguishing feature is high productivity. There is an opportunity to perform welding operations with a gap, but for this it is necessary to use the minimum operating current.
- Elements E46 and others from this category are characterized by high rates of sanitary and hygienic standards, since emissions from work with these consumables in the atmosphere are insignificant.
- E46 is not exacting to the quality of the working surface. Due to this, it can be used for welding contaminated, rusty or even wet steels.
- Use of this mark is also possible when working with medium and large workpieces.
- To work with such electrodes do not need special welding machines, enough and ordinary, which works from the outlet.
Scope of application E46
Before you start using this brandelectrodes, it is best to calcine them for 1 hour. When working with such consumables, it is recommended to maintain a medium or high frequency of the arc in order to ensure a high quality of the weld along its entire length. The use of these elements is carried out at any spatial position. They show themselves perfectly both when working with constant and alternating current.
The scope of use of this electrode is great.It is used in almost all industrial sectors. This is mechanical engineering, shipbuilding, the chemical industry, and a combination of metal structures.
Marking consumables
One of the most common types of thisconsumed electrode E46 with a diameter of 4 mm. In order to understand what elements are suitable for joining low-alloy and carbon steels, it is necessary to know the marking. The letter E is an index that indicates that the electrode should be used by manual arc welding or surfacing. There is a small subclass of consumables with the letter A. The presence of this index indicates that the seam obtained when welding with this electrode will have such improved properties as improved ductility and higher toughness.
E46A and feedback
Electrode E46 with improved properties hasthe E46A marking. This type of consumables belongs to the category having the main coating. The main elements covering the electrodes are carbonates and fluoride compounds. The metal that is subjected to welding with this type of electrode will correspond to the calm type of the seam obtained. Due to the fact that the gas content is very low, the composition of non-metallic impurities is also minimal.
Welding seams, which were performed by electrodes,have a high index of ductility and toughness at normal and low temperatures. The seam will have a higher resistance to the formation of hot cracks. However, it is worth noting that, in terms of technological characteristics, they are inferior to other types. Feedback on working with these types of electrodes, as well as the usual E46 - are positive. With welding electrodes it is easy to work, in quality and reliability of elements it is possible not to doubt.
Advantages include: a small amount of slag, uniform burning, as well as a clean seam after welding. To the disadvantages is a high price. Some note that the electrodes of this brand are burning in different ways.
