E46 electrodes belong to the group of consumables that are used for welding carbon and low alloy steels. The carbon content in such a material is not more than 0.25%. Low alloy steel is characterized in that its temporary tensile strength is 590 MPa.
Electrode Overview
There are several parameters by which you can distinguish electrodes of different brands. The most important properties are those relating to the mechanical properties of the weld metal, as well as the general connection by welding. These property groups include the following: joint toughness, joint bending angle, tensile strength, and elongation. Given these characteristics, and based on GOST 9467-75, they are divided into several varieties.
Electrodes E46, E50, E38, E42 - belong to the group that is used for welding steels with a temporary resistance of up to 490 MPa. It is important to note that the two numbers that follow the letter “E” are a numerical characteristic corresponding to the minimum temporary tensile strength of a weld metal or weld joint. This indicator is measured in kgf / mm 2 .
Welding Electrodes
E46 electrodes, as mentioned earlier, are designed to connect structures with resistance up to 490 MPa. But the grades E42A, E46A and E50A are used for the same steels, but only if the requirement for increased impact strength or relative elongation is required for the quality of the seam.
It is important to note that all of these consumables, including E46 electrodes, are characterized by yet another distinctive quality. All materials belonging to this group have welding and technological properties. In addition, it is possible to use a welding machine with elements from this group at any position of the welding machine. It is also important to note that the type of welding current, the productivity of the process, the tendency to form pores and, in some cases, the hydrogen content in the deposited metal, do not affect the use of the consumable. E46 electrodes and other brands of this group can be operated with any of the listed indicators.
Rutile electrode coating
The element constituting the outer shell of the electrodes was rutile concentrate. This substance is naturally occurring titanium dioxide. Electrodes of type E46 and E42 belong to this category. A distinctive feature of working with such consumables: the weld metal obtained after welding will correspond to the class of calm or semi-quiet steel. Another quality indicator will be that the resistance of the weld metal to cracking after welding with a rutile-coated electrode will be higher than, for example, after welding with elements having an acid coating.
Element Benefits
The electrodes of the E46 brand, related to the rutile group, have several advantages when compared with other brands. Such positive qualities include ensuring a more stable and constant burning of the arc of the welding machine during its operation with alternating current. Another advantage is the small amount of metal loss that occurs when spraying the material. Another plus of the E46 electrode according to GOST 9467-75 is the easy separability of the slag crust, as well as the good formation of the seam itself.
The positive factors for the use of this brand of element include a weak tendency to pore formation when changing the length of the arc, when welding with wet and rusty metal, and when working with an oxidized surface.
It is worth noting that there is another group of electrodes, to which E46 can be attributed, since they are very similar in quality to rutile ones. The category of these consumables has an ilmenite coating and occupies an intermediate place between the acid and rutile coatings. The main substance of the upper layer of the electrode of this category is ilmenite concentrate, which is a natural compound of titanium dioxide and iron.
Features of use of E46
E46 electrodes with a diameter of 2.5 mm, 4 mm and others show their best qualities when welding low alloy steels. Here are the benefits that this consumable can provide:
- The first distinguishing feature is high performance. It becomes possible to perform welding operations with a gap, but for this it is necessary to use a minimum operating current.
- Elements E46 and others from this category are characterized by high indicators of sanitary and hygienic standards, since emissions from working with these consumables into the atmosphere are insignificant.
- E46 is not demanding on the quality of the work surface. Due to this, it can be used in welding contaminated, rusty or even wet steels.
- The use of this brand is also possible when working with workpieces of medium and large sizes.
- To work with such electrodes, special welding machines will not be required, just the usual one that works from the outlet is enough.
Scope of application of E46
Before you start using this brand of electrodes, it is best to calcine them for 1 hour. When working with such consumables, it is recommended to maintain a medium or high arc frequency in order to ensure high quality of the weld along its entire length. The application of these elements is carried out in any spatial position. They perfectly show themselves both when working with direct and alternating current.
The scope of use of this electrode is great. It is used in almost all industrial sectors. This is engineering, shipbuilding, and the chemical industry, and the combination of metal structures.
Consumable Labeling
One of the most common types of this consumable is an E46 electrode with a diameter of 4 mm. In order to understand which 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 by welding with this electrode will have such enhanced qualities as improved ductility and higher impact strength.
E46A and reviews
The E46 electrode with improved properties is labeled E46A. This type of consumable belongs to the category having the main coating. The main elements covering the electrodes were carbonates and fluoride compounds. The metal that is being welded with this type of electrode will correspond to the quiet type of weld obtained. Due to the fact that the gas content is very low, the composition of non-metallic impurities is also minimal.
Welds, which were performed by electrodes, are characterized by a high rate of ductility and toughness at normal and low temperatures. The seam will be more resistant to hot cracking. However, it is worth noting that in terms of technological characteristics they are inferior to other species. Reviews about working with these types of electrodes, as well as ordinary E46, are positive. It is easy to work with welding electrodes; there is no doubt about the quality and reliability of the elements.
The advantages include: a small amount of slag, uniform combustion, as well as a clean weld after welding. The disadvantages are the high price. Some note that the electrodes of this brand burn differently.