What is Cast of Continuous Welding Electrodes in Welding?

The cast of a continuous welding electrode is the diameter of the circle that the electrode would assume if it were lying freely on a smooth surface. For example, a 1/8″ (3.2 mm) electrode has a cast of 1/8″.

The larger the cast, the more current the electrode can carry and the more heat it can generate.
Continuous welding electrodes are available in a variety of sizes, from very small (1/16″ or 1.6 mm) to very large (1″).

Most continuous welding electrodes are made of carbon steel, but there are also stainless steel and aluminum versions. The type of metal you use will depend on the application. For example, stainless steel is often used for food-grade applications, while aluminum is often used for heat-sensitive materials.

Types of Cast of Continuous Welding Electrodes

When selecting a continuous welding electrode, you will also need to choose the right type of coating. The most common types are flux-coated and metal-cored. Flux-coated electrodes have a layer of flux on the outside that helps to protect the weld pool from contamination. Metal-cored electrodes have a core of metal powder that is surrounded by a layer of flux. These electrodes are often used for high-speed welding applications.