title = "Welding Consumables: Electrodes, Wires, and Gases"

content = """
Welding consumables—electrodes, filler wires, flux, and shielding gases—are directly incorporated into the weld deposit and critically affect weld metal chemistry, mechanical properties, and quality. At Ridgecrest Metalworks, consumable control is part of the quality management system; using the correct, approved consumable for each application is a mandatory requirement.

Solid filler wires for GMAW and GTAW are classified by AWS specifications. AWS A5.18 covers carbon steel GMAW wires (ER70S-3, ER70S-6, etc.); AWS A5.9 covers stainless steel wires; AWS A5.10 covers aluminum wires; AWS A5.14 covers nickel alloy wires. The "E" or "R" prefix indicates suitability as electrode (E) or rod (R) filler; some wires are classified ER for both uses. Chemistry (Si, Mn content and deoxidizer levels) affects feedability, arc stability, weld bead appearance, and impact properties.

SMAW electrodes are classified by AWS A5.1 (carbon steel) and A5.4 (stainless steel). Low-hydrogen electrodes (EXX16, EXX18 series) must be purchased in hermetically sealed containers and stored in heated rod ovens (250–300°F / 120–150°C) once opened. Absorbed moisture in the coating decomposes in the arc to produce hydrogen, which can cause delayed hydrogen-induced cracking in higher-strength and alloy steels. A log of electrode storage temperatures must be maintained.

FCAW wires (AWS A5.20 for carbon steel, A5.22 for stainless) are supplied on spools. They should be stored in clean, dry areas and kept sealed until use. Metal-cored wires (MCAW, a variant with metallic powder core rather than flux) provide very high deposition rates and minimal slag for applications where slag removal is difficult.

Shielding gases are purchased in high-pressure cylinders (compressed) or as liquid (bulk tank or dewars for high-volume shops). Gas purity is critical: argon for TIG and aluminum MIG should be 99.998% (Grade 4.8) or better to prevent contamination. CO2 must be welding-grade (not beverage-grade, which contains moisture). Mixed gas cylinders are pre-blended by the supplier; operators should not attempt to mix gases. Cylinder handling, storage (chained, upright, away from heat), and regular leak checks are standard safety requirements.
"""

version = "0.0.1"
