Practical Considerations
Storage and Re-drying
MMA electrodes should be stored in dry, well-ventilated and preferably heated stores. For critical applications it is also recommended that they be held in temperature- and humidity-controlled conditions, maintaining humidity below 60%RH (Relative Humidity) and a temperature above the dew point, to avoid moisture condensing onto the electrodes. Electrodes held in dry conditions will remain in prime condition for several years but if the coating absorbs moisture, this will lead to a gradual deterioration. Evidence of deterioration includes the presence of white powdery areas on the surface of the coating, cracks in the coating or pieces of coating missing.
Electrodes with rutile or cellulosic coating require some moisture in the coating to operate properly and should not be re-dried. If rutile electrodes get wet, re-drying at about 80°C is all that is needed. Cellulosic electrodes must not be dried. In some hot environments they may need wetting to function efficiently.
Basic coated electrodes need to be dry to give low-hydrogen weld metal. Before use, these electrodes should be re-dried according to manufacturers’ recommendations, be put in holding ovens and then transferred to the workstations in heated quivers until needed. Vacuum-packed basic electrodes can be used straight from the packet.
Eletrodes for non-ferrous alloys and stainless steel always need to be completely dry before use and should be treated in accordance with manufacturers’ requirements.
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