Electrodes: expiration date, how to choose and store

2024 Author: Howard Calhoun | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:16

For welding work, electrodes are constantly needed, and in large quantities. That is why they are purchased in packs, depending on the required diameter. In large enterprises, welding consumables are stored in specially designated areas, but only a few know how to store them. There is a question about the shelf life of the electrodes. This is important both for large enterprises and for small firms that are engaged in welding only occasionally. Consider the rules for storing the main consumables for welding. How to prolong its term of use, because the quality of work will depend on it?

How to store?

The shelf life of electrodes directly depends on how they are stored. For this, not only a room without high humidity is used. It is possible to use special equipment that will protect the surface of the electrodes from the negative influence of the external environment.

Most often, electrodes are stored in warehouses where it is dry and warm.

The rules for storing electrodes are as follows:

• temperature regimeover +14 °С;
• humidity in the room up to 50%;
• using air conditioners to ventilate the air in an enclosed space;
• Waterproofing the warehouse to prevent moisture ingress.

It is important to adhere to the temperature regime and not allow it to fluctuate, as this affects the surface of the consumable for welding and the quality of subsequent work.

To increase the shelf life, you can use special cases, boxes or pallets. Do not store electrodes on the floor, as condensation may cause them to become wet. You can keep them in a box, but if you do not use all at once, you should seal the package tightly.

Expiry date of electrodes

Storage features directly affect the shelf life of consumables, which, subject to all standards, can be long.

All storage features must be strictly observed in accordance with the regulations of GOST 9466-75 or GOST 9467-75. This applies to both manufacturers of welding consumables and consumers who purchase electrodes in large quantities. Even during transport, the goods must not be at risk. Although consumables that have been exposed to moisture can be dried or tempered.

Consumables can last indefinitely if properly stored. If there are certain shortcomings during external examination, you can get rid of them by drying, cleaning or other operations. Those electrodes that have completely deteriorated should not be used, although they can be used for educational purposes. Availableflaws are easy to identify visually.

Why do I need to bake the electrodes?

In order to remove traces of high humidity and extend the shelf life of the electrodes, you can use an operation such as calcination. This is necessary so that during operation a slightly damaged consumable does not stick to the weld.

In order to ignite the electrodes, construction companies use special equipment. Each opened new pack must be used up completely. If there are unused electrodes left in it, do not store them in an open space or basement.

How to choose the type of electrodes for welding?

Don't know how to choose welding electrodes? Then we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the criteria for their selection.

Here's what to look out for:

• The thickness of the metal piece to be welded (the larger the diameter of the electrodes, the thicker the metal).
• Steel grade (stainless steel, ferrous metal, heat resistant, etc.).
• Features of welding, that is, how the weld will be applied to the product (horizontally, vertically, from top to bottom, etc.).
• Determine the current through the electrode.

Each type of electrode has its own current parameters, and the manufacturer indicates them on the product label. Experienced welders use a special formula for this.

Varieties of electrodes by diameter:

• Electrodes (2mm) –current 40-80 A. They are considered the most fastidious consumables, since they are designed for thin sheets of metal, they require special skills and abilities to perform high-quality work.
• Electrodes (3-3, 2 mm) - current 70-80 A (at DC) and 120 A (at AC).
• Electrodes (4 mm) - current 110-160 A. Work with thick sheets of metal.
• Electrodes (from 5 mm in diameter) are professional consumables used for surfacing, not welding.

How do you know when the electrodes are no longer suitable for welding?

Many are interested not only in the question of how to store electrodes according to GOST 9466-75, but also how to check their expiration date. It is not always possible to accurately determine the conditions of storage or transportation, since the electrodes can be repurchased by firms. To do this, make a visual inspection of the welding material.

If the consumables outwardly look without defects, the coating does not crumble, then such an electrode is still suitable for welding. If the consumable has defects, although small, you can clean or dry them.

Do not use poor quality or used consumables when doing important work or those that require precision. Not only the appearance of the weld, but also its quality depends on this. Be sure to check the electrodes before starting work.

How to extend the shelf life of welding consumables?

GOST storage standards apply tocoated metal electrodes for manual arc welding. But what can extend the shelf life of such consumables? The use of thermoses that maintain a certain temperature in the package. It is these devices that can significantly extend the life of the electrodes, especially when they are used infrequently.