Manual arc welding: classification, application, features

Manual arc welding with coated electrodes is a process, the main source of heat in which an electric arc protrudes . Ignition of the arc generates a significant amount of heat, resulting in a rapid melting of the main parts and welding material - the electrode.

Traditionally, the welding chain consists of several basic components: a power source, a welding cable and a ground cable, as well as a clamp and a special electrode holder.

The power supply is required to supply the required amperage for ignition and to maintain the arc combustion process. Manual arc welding is often powered by a constant current source. This means that the value of the applied current must be constant even when the electrode is applied to the parts to be welded. This is considered the main requirement for a power source.

Maintaining a constant current throughout the entire welding process directly affects the stability of the arc, thereby simplifying the work of a specialist welder. Another feature, depending on which the welding machines are classified, is a device that regulates the value of the welding current. It can be electronic or mechanical. Electronic control systems, in turn, are divided into inverter and thyristor, and mechanical systems can be represented by saturation inductors or a magnetic shunt.

Depending on the type of output current, there are 2 main groups of devices: AC and DC.

AC power sources are used for electromechanical welding. DC sources are used to power inverter and thyristor devices.

Manual DC arc welding is divided by the method of connecting the poles to connections of forward and reverse polarity.

The electrode holder performs a fairly simple but important function - it keeps the electrode, while ensuring the required electrical contact. In addition, the holder protects the welder from the effect of electric current.

Manual arc welding can be carried out with electrodes with a special coating. For such electrodes, the core material is treated with various coatings. This allows you to protect the weld pool, as well as stabilize the arc.

Cables and clamps in the welding process are used to flow current through the working and protective directions.

Also, you can not do without an auxiliary "inventory" (devices that prevent adhesion, carrying out a hot ignition and afterburning of the arc). The main objective of such devices is to simplify the operation of the apparatus.

As mentioned earlier, manual arc welding can be performed using electrodes with a special coating (so-called coating). The latter serves to protect the seam of welded parts from interaction with air, cleaning of the main material and its components.

In all the variety of electrodes there are 4 main groups. Their list is below.

1. Acid coating.
2. Rutile coating.
3. Cellulose coating.
4. The main coating.

Manual arc welding performed by each of these types of electrodes has its own application features, which allow specialists to choose the best option for the solution of a specific problem.