Stick welding or shielded metal arc welding is one of the oldest and widely employed welding process. In this method, intense heat from an electric arc is sourced to melt and fuse metal so as to forge a weld. It is mainly used to join iron as well as mild steel and majorly used for maintenance work. The stick welding equipment is cheap as well as simple to operate. It is used to perform welding various kinds of metals. If you are wondering what shielded metal arc welding is, then explore this article to enlighten yourself. 

Stick welding process:

The outfit of typical shielded metal arc welding encompasses electric welding machine, couple of welding cables, a ground clamp, an electrode holder along with a covered metal electrode. An electric arc is created amidst of tip of electrode and the work when current flows through the welding machine.

Welding in shielded metal arc welding is commenced with touching end of electrode to the base metal and lift the electrode to ¼ inch. An arc is formed and it produces the temperature up to 5550C. As you know, 5550C is extreme heat, it start to melt base metal and the heat starts to spread the electrode. When the cover of electrode starts to burn, it melts the core.

The melted core from electrode forms a weld. Flux decomposed in this welding process forms a protective gaseous atmosphere around the arc area. Oxygen, nitrogen contamination from the air is eliminated in the weld with the assistance of gas formed.

 Direct current or alternating current can be used for this welding process. The arc voltage of this welding equipment ranges from 15V to 40V with respect to the arc length.

Source this welding process carefully and procure the benefits it encompasses.