Stick Welding (SMAW) for Equipment Repair. One of the most common processes for field welding repair is Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), or Stick. Stick electrodes are self-shielded and cut down on the amount of equipment neededno need to haul in a gas cylinder, hose and regulator.
Welding electrodes are used in the joining of two metals together. They support the high-temperature welding arcs, resulting in a stronger bond. Mild steel electrodes are usually coated with high quality but low carbon steel deposits. They have considerable tensile and yield strength, can sustain a long-standing arc, and are mostly applied in the welding processes of mild steels, galvanized and low alloy steels. The outer coating of an electrode helps in keeping the welding arc steady, protects the molten metal from exposure to oxygen and nitrogen, and also the cooling rate. Mild steel electrodes are more commonly used in manufacturing and automobile repairing industries.