What is Stick Welding?

Simple, versatile, effective

Stick welding also known as manual arc welding, manual electrode welding, manual metal arc welding or shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) is usually the first welding process that welders are taught during training. It is easy to learn, but already offers insights into the way that welding systems work and into the ratio of metals to electrical voltage.

Welding with the rod electrode offers numerous advantages in comparison with MIG/MAG and TIG processes. In principle, almost all materials can be welded using electrode welding. The process is mainly used in steel and pipeline construction, but is also used in metal trade and industry. Manual metal arc welding allows for any type of weld seam and position, irrespective of whether this involves restricted or overhead positions, vertical up seams or vertical end welding. Furthermore, the welder is not dependent on shielding gases and can easily work outside, even in unfavorable weather conditions such as wind or rain.

Manual metal arc welding: this is how it works

In stick welding, contact between the rod electrode and workpiece ignites the arc. This creates a short circuit for a fraction of a second between the two poles, meaning that current can then flow. The arc burns between the workpiece and the electrode. This creates the required fusion heat. Via the consumable core wire and the coating, which is also consumable, the electrode also supplies the protective slag and the gas shroud.

Manual arc welding requires a low voltage and a high amperage. The welding system converts the available mains voltage into a significantly lower welding voltage. At the same time, it provides the required amperage, which also allows the power source to be adjusted and regulated.

In manual metal arc welding, the amperage is the most important parameter for the quality of the connections. It must therefore remain as constant as possible, even if the arc length changes. In order to ensure this, power sources for electrode welding always have drooping characteristics.

Stick welding system structure

(1) Main connection

(2) Power source

(3) Welding power-lead (electrode)

(4) Grounding cable (workpiece)

(5) Electrode holder

(6) Earthing clamp

(7) Rod electrode

(8) Workpiece

Advantages of stick welding

Easy handling
Can be used universally, irrespective of location
Easy to learn
Low noise
Low procurement costs
Protection of the weld seam due to slag formation
Not sensitive to contaminations such as rust, scaling, oils or grease
Almost all metallic materials can be welded
High weld seam quality and high mechanical properties

Disadvantages of stick welding

Low welding speed
Lots of smoke is produced
Occurrence of arc blow
Increased error sources due to end-craters and contact positions
Electrode diameter is dependent on sheet thickness and welding position
High setup times and downtimes: rebaking of standard packed electrodes
Mounting of the electrodes, removal of the remaining stump, removal of slag and spatter
Cannot be mechanized

How is an arc created?

To form an arc, the circuit between the electrode and the workpiece must be broken. In manual metal arc welding this happens by means of touchdown or contact ignition. The arc ignites by touching the rod electrode on the workpiece. In order to produce an arc plasma, the material and coating must melt or evaporate due to the high short-circuit current. At the same time, the voltage (cathode, anode, and arc length voltage) must be sufficiently high to allow the arc to form. The currents and voltages required depend on the electrode diameter and the electrode coating.

Historic milestones in stick welding

Electrode

Tasks of the electrode coating

Ionization of the contact-gap
Formation of a gas shroud
Formation of the slag
Stabilization of the arc
Control of the deoxidation
Control of the alloying and dealloying processes in the weld pool
Influencing the cooling speed of the weld seam
Increasing the deposition rate (production)

Code	Electrode type	Properties and use
A	acidic coating	high arc stability, very fluid weld pool, only rarely used
C	cellulose coating	intensive arc, little slag, high fusion rate in the area of the weld pool, difficult to weld
R	rutile coating	spray transfer, easy to weld, flat seams, poor gap-bridging ability
RR	thick rutile coating	spray transfer, easy to weld, flat seams, poor gap-bridging ability
RC	rutile cellulose coating	spray transfer, easy to weld, flat seams, poor gap-bridging ability
RA	rutile acidic coating	spray transfer, easy to weld, flat seams, poor gap-bridging ability
RB	rutile basic coating	spray transfer, easy to weld, flat seams, poor gap-bridging ability
B	basic coating	suitable for high-strength connections, welding ability in various positions, slightly more difficult to weld than rutile coated electrodes

Innovative welding systems for manual metal arc welding

Accupocket 150/400

Welding independent of the grid thanks to integrated battery
Battery, generator and hybrid mode possible
Light and robust for harsh operating conditions

Find out more about AccuPocket 150/400

Ignis 180

Portable stick (SMAW) welding system
Robust construction for harsh operating conditions
Can be updated for other functions

TransSteel 2200

Multiprocess system: MIG/MAG, TIG, stick welding
Portable and light for mobile use
Intuitive operation and easy menu navigation

Find out more about TransSteel 2200

Accupocket 150/400

Welding independent of the grid thanks to integrated battery
Battery, generator and hybrid mode possible
Light and robust for harsh operating conditions

Find out more about AccuPocket 150/400

Ignis 180

Portable stick (SMAW) welding system
Robust construction for harsh operating conditions
Can be updated for other functions

TransSteel 2200

Multiprocess system: MIG/MAG, TIG, stick welding
Portable and light for mobile use
Intuitive operation and easy menu navigation

Find out more about TransSteel 2200

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Perfect Welding

What is Stick Welding (SMAW)?

Simple, versatile, effective

Manual metal arc welding: this is how it works