Welding is an intricate process that involves joining two separate metals through the application of heat or pressure. The welding rod is the most integral part of welding and selecting the right one is key to a successful project. The 308 welding rod is one of the most popular and widely used welding rods in the industry, having been used in countless applications across multiple industries.
According to the 2018 American Welding Society (AWS) statistics report, over 19 million tons of the 308 welding rod have been used in the last decade, making it the go-to choice for welders and engineers seeking reliable, high-quality solutions. In this article, we will answer the question of what the 308 welding rod is used for and why it remains the most widely used rod in welding applications.
What is 308 Welding Rod Used For?
Welding rods are consumable metal wires used to join two separate pieces of metal together through welding.The power of chrome eliminates rust and corrosion in welding joints, making it a popular choice for many kinds of welding. Today, we’ll focus on a specific welding rod – the 308 welding rod – to talk about what this kind of rod is used for, the advantages of using it, and some tips to apply it in your welding project.
Types of Welding Rods
There are various types of welding rods available in the market, classified as per their type of coating and the material used for welding.Let’s just go through them in brief.
- 6010 welding rod – Used for heavy-duty welding, this rod is known for its “fast freeze” characteristic, which allows it to adhere even to the roughest materials.
- 6011 welding rod – This variety is known for its forgiving characteristic, making it several times easier to use.
- 6013 welding rod – This type of welding rod is often considered to be a go-to option for a starter due to its ability to create seamless joints without making any mistakes.
- 7018 welding rod – Often used with AC or DC flux to help penetrate further, 7018 welding rod is often referred to as “low-hydrogen” welding rod.
- 308 welding rod – This particular welding rod is the most versatile in terms of its application, since it is known for its ability to weld in the toughest conditions.
What is 308 Welding Rod?
308 welding rod is made with an extruded outer core layer which is surrounded by a metallic paste. It is also called “self-shielded welding rod” and is known for its low spatter, long arc length and stability. 308 welding rods come in two types – 308L and 308H.
The ‘L’ stands for low carbon and is referred to as the lower grade of the two, since it is weaker and probably not recommended for heavy-duty welding purposes. The ‘H’ stands for high carbon and is often used for joining stainless steel items, as it results in a stronger weld.
What is 308 Welding Rod Used For?
308 welding rods are mainly used for welding soft metals such as stainless steel, monel, chrome and Inconel, among others. It is also useful for welding materials such as cast iron and steel, especially in dead-cold applications. The rod can also be used for thin sheet metal and pipes for thin gas welds. However, it should not be used for overlaying welds.Advantages of Using 308 Welding Rod
- The rods feature excellent levels of penetration, giving a precise and precise welding job.
- 308 welding rods are known for their low spatter, making clean-up much faster.
- The rod is capable of creating an even and powerful weld.
- The 308 welding rod is designed to deliver long and stable arcs.
- The rods are also easy to handle.
Tips for Using 308 Welding Rod
- Before beginning work, it is important to clean the area of any rust or dirt for a clean weld.
- It is recommended to run a few test runs with the rod to practice your weld.
- Make sure to maintain 8 inches of speed per minute when welding with 308 rods.
- To avoid post-weld warping, practice good heat control.