Minimising Hic/hac in Steel Using Low Hydrogen Electrode for Smaw

An improved welding electrode for producing weld metal having low amount of hydrogen therein so that hydrogen assisted cracking in weld zone is minimised. This is especially beneficial for welding high strength steel having tensile strengths of about 70000 psi or above. The reduction of slag /metal reaction temperature during welding have been found to have additional advantage of reducing the amount of oxygen in weld metal. This provides increased impact properties for the weld metals. The filler metals that resist hydrogen related cracking while also providing good mechanical properties. This paper deals with detailed study of low hydrogen electrode comparing theoretical as well as practical aspects.