Technical Introduction | Stick Welding

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1. Definition and working principle: Stick arc welding is short for covered electrode manual arc welding; it is an arc welding method in which the weld rod is manipulated manually to carry out welding. It uses the heat of the arc that burns between the welding electrode and the workpiece to melt the tip of the electrode as well as a local area of the workpiece. The metal that melts rapidly at the tip of the electrode passes in the form of small droplets through the arc column into the already partially melted metal of the workpiece, where it merges with that metal to form a molten pool. As the arc moves forward, the liquid metal in the molten pool gradually cools and crystallizes, thus forming a weld. 2. Process characteristics: 1) Stick arc welding requires simple equipment, is easy and flexible to operate, has strong adaptability and good weld quality; it is not restricted by the location or welding position, and welding can generally be carried out wherever the welding rod can reach – these are all important reasons for its widespread use ； 2) There is a wide range of weldable metal materials; except for those that are refractory or highly prone to oxidation, most metals used in industry can be welded ； 3) The assembly requirements for weld joints are relatively low, but high skills are required from the welder; the welding quality depends to a certain extent on the welder’s proficiency ； 4) Poor working conditions, slow deposition speed, and low productivity. After each electrode is welded, it must be replaced, leaving a leftover portion of the electrode; furthermore, slag removal is required after welding even though that portion has not been fully utilized, resulting in low productivity. 3. Scope of application and limitations 1) The thickness range of workpieces that can be welded: while there is no limit on the thickness for welds using multi-layer grooving, excessive plate thickness results in low efficiency, large amounts of filler metal, and reduced economic viability. 2) The most suitable product structure: For products with complex structures, there are many short or irregular welds in their design, located in various spatial positions; such welds make it difficult to carry out mechanical or automated welding.