Shielded Metal Arc Welding

(SMAW)
 SMAW Electrode Classification
Example
E7018-A1-H8R

E7018
E indicates electrode
70 indicates 70,000 psi tensile strength
1 indicates use for welding in all positions
8 indicates low hydrogen
ANSI/AWS - 5.1 : Specification for Covered Carbon Steel
ANSI/AWS - 5.5 : Specification for Low Alloy Steel
ANSI/AWS - 5.4 : Specification for Corrosion Resistant Steel

AWS Website:
http://www.aws.org
 Coating Materials -Partial List

Slipping Agents to Aid Extrusion

Arc Stabilizers
Clay
Titania TiO2
Talc
Glycerin
Gas-Forming Materials
Wood Pulp
Binding Agents
Limestone CaCO3
Sodium Silicate
Asbestos
Slag-Forming Materials
Starch
Alumina Al2O3
Sugar
TiO2
SiO2
Fe3O4 Alloying and Deoxidizing Elements
Si, Al, Ti, Mn, Ni, Cr
Linnert, Welding Metallurgy
AWS, 1994
 Shielded Metal Arc Welding

SMAW Advantages
Easily
implemented
Inexpensive
Flexible
Not as sensitive to
part fit-up
variances
 Advantages
Equipment relatively easy to use,
inexpensive, portable
Filler metal and means for protecting the
weld puddle are provided by the covered
electrode
Less sensitive to drafts, dirty parts, poor
fit-up
Can be used on carbon steels, low alloy
steels, stainless steels, cast irons, copper,
nickel, aluminum
 Shielded Metal Arc Welding

Quality Issues
Discontinuities
associated with
manual welding
process that utilize
flux for pool shielding
Slag inclusions
Lack of fusion
Other possible effects
on quality are
porosity, and
hydrogen cracking
 Shileded Metal Arc Welding

Limitations
Low Deposition
Rates
Low Productivity
Operator
Dependent
 Other Limitations

Heat of welding too high for lead, tin, zinc,

and their alloys
Inadequate weld pool shielding for reactive
metals such as titanium, zirconium,
tantalum, columbium