A cellulose electrode is essentially a welding electrode that has a coating consisting of organic materials. 1/3rd of the weight of the coating consists of cellulose. Some welding electrodes manufacturers also add wood powder and paper pulp to the coating in order to reduce the amount of pure cellulose.
Cellulosic electrodes were first developed in the USA in the early 1930s and were widely preferred over the thinly coated electrodes during the decade. During the same time, welders began using cellulosic electrodes for the welding of pipelines.
Eventually, when other types of electrode coatings were manufactured, the usage of cellulosic electrodes dropped. However, even today, cellulosic electrodes continue to remain in favour when it comes to welding pipelines. Some Welding Electrodes Manufacturers in India also provide cellulosic electrodes that pass the 180-degree bend test.
Most Welding Electrodes Suppliers in India agree that a good cellulosic electrode fulfils the following requirements:
Along with these requirements, cellulosic electrodes must also contain the right amount of moisture. The high content of cellulose and moisture in the coating decomposes to form carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and high levels of hydrogen which leads to an increase in arc tension making the welding arc stronger and harder.
According to Welding Electrodes Suppliers, this has two advantages – optimum protection of the weld pool and a good amount of diffusible hydrogen in the weld metal and the heat-affected zone (HAZ)
This high hydrogen content also produces excellent penetration irrespective of the position in which the welding takes place. Along with a high level of penetration, the cellulosic electrode also provides accuracy, it possesses high endurance and has a long functional life. These characteristics make it an absolute favourite among welders.
Certain titanium compounds are also present in the coating that provide arc stability and also help in cleaning the slag easily.
When some amount of ferromanganese is added to the coating, it becomes possible to compensate for the manganese that is lost during the welding process because of oxidation and helps in deoxidizing the weld pool. Cellulosic electrodes are generally manufactured using a sodium silicate binder and hence, it is best to use them with DC (+) polarity.
In order to preserve the longevity of cellulosic electrodes, drying them after the production process must be avoided. Exposing these electrodes to the warmth of bright sunlight in dry areas is as equally damaging as baking the electrodes at low temperatures.
Also Read: Understanding Flux Core Welding Process and Useful Welding Tips
Conclusion
The best practice would be to place the cellulosic electrodes in the cool of the shade throughout the working day. Moreover, rehydrating the electrodes does not simply restore them to their former condition so the best thing to do is to discard the electrodes that have been exposed to unavoidable hot and/or dry conditions.
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