Lincoln Stick Electrode General Knowledge Facts

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Selection Based on Joint Requirements

Welds on high strength and low alloy steel can often only be made with one or two specific electrodes. Refer to the Lincoln Stick Electrode Guide for selection information. Full strength welds on mild steel can usually be made with a variety of different stick electrodes. Selection of the best stick electrode for maximum welding efficiency should be based on joint requirements. Here is a three-step method for considering joint requirements:

1. Classify the joint as "fast freeze" or "fast fill" or "fill freeze" or a combination of these.
   
   

2. Choose the electrode group (fast freeze, fast fill, fill freeze, or low hydrogen) from the following information.
   
   

3. Review the stick electrodes in the appropriate group to select the best stick electrode for the specific applications.

Fast Freeze Welding

The weld deposit rapidly solidifies for all-position welding. Fast Freeze stick electrodes have a high cellulose coating which produces a deep penetration, forceful spray-type arc with slight slag coverage.

• Use on plate 3/16" to 5/8" thick

• For 5/8" and thicker plate, the Fill Freeze low hydrogen electrodes are more economical because deposit rates are higher and they make welds with fewer large beads for reduced cleaning time.

Fast Fill Welding

The coating of "fast fill" stick electrodes is 50% iron powder and, therefore, produces a larger amount of weld deposition per electrode. Fast fill stick electrodes are limited level or slightly downhill (15º max) welding positions.

• Groove, flat, and horizontal fillets, and lap welds in plate over 3/16"

• For the required tight fit-up, plates are butted tight, a back-up strip is used, or a stringer bead is made with Fill Freeze stick electrodes

Fill Freeze Welding (Sheet Metal)

These stick electrodes have an increase of weld deposition compared to Fast Freeze, but can still be used for all-position welding. They have a titania rutile or lime based coating with the addition of iron powder in some cases.

• For sheet metal under 3/16" for electrodes that weld at high travel speeds with minimum skips, misses, slag entrapment, and undercut.

• Fillet and lap welds in all-positions are best welded with E-xx12 or E-xx13
  Fill Freeze electrode because of the excellent fast travel ability

• Other types of joint are best welded with Fast Freeze stick electrodes because they have good puddle freezing ability.