6011 Welding Rod – Meaning, Sizes, Settings, and Uses

As there are many welding rod variations, picking the right one for your welding operation can be tricky. Hence, a good knowledge of them will surely help in your welding career. Our topic of discussion today is the E6011 electrode, a highly reliable stick welding rod for everyone.

The main benefit you can gain from this welding rod is high tensile strength, quicker welding, and polarity options. Not to mention, the welding from 6011 hardens very fast. As a result, you can use it on any overhead welding project and gain the best outcome.

Definition and Meanings

One of the best things about E6011 is its flux coating. Its flux includes 30% of cellulose, making sure to protect the welding and help it run on AC connections. Let’s first talk about the meaning of the E6011 electrode.

Electrodes with four or five digits like this are indicative of their own specifications based on their name. You just need to check every digit of it. For 6011, here is what they mean-

The first two digits here defines the tensile strength of the welding rod. You can measure it with KPI. Here, the 60 means that the electrode has a tensile strength of 60 KPI.
That makes it 60,000 PSI of tensile strength. It also has a yield strength of 48,000 PSI.
The second digit from the right represents the welding position that one can use the electrode. If it is 1, that makes it suitable for all angles. It is the reason behind E6011 welding to harden quickly.
The last digit means the polarity and connection of the electrode. But it also indicates the flux coating and the suitable welded metals. For 6011, the 1 represents that this welding rod can be connected to both AC and DC connections.

6011 Welding Rod Amperage

Setting the accurate amperage on your welding machine is mandatory. It depends on the welding rod sizes, welding position, and sometimes even the metal thickness. The bigger your welding rod size is, the higher the amp should be.

Before going for any amp chart online, check and follow the amp recommendation on the product manual. If there are no instructions, you can go with our suggestions below.

For a 1/8-inch 6011 welding rod, the amp needs to be within 90 to 140.
If you are welding vertically, a 3/16-inch one will require a current flow of between 160 to 180 amp.
While welding overhead, the amp can be within 140 to 180.

Keep in mind that the amp can be so different from one manufacturer to another.

6011 Welding Rod Sizes

For a thicker workpiece, you will need an electrode with more diameter. 6011 shows no issue when it comes to that. You can find this electrode in most sizes, starting from 3/32 to 5/16-inch. They also include 1/8 and ¼-inch.

Keep in mind that if you are looking for 1/16 and 5/64-inch electrodes, you can only find 6012 and 6013 in that size.

6011 Welding Rod Specification

The electrode E6011 comes with a cellulose coating. As you weld your metal, the cellulose turns into hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. These three gases work together in order to increase the tensile strength of the electrode highly.

E6011 is already a deep penetration welding rod, thanks to its cellulose coating. It is also the reason why you can connect the rod to the AC connection. This welding rod is a fast-freeze electrode, which approves all-position welding.

Applications

When using the E6011 rod, you will find a smooth and stable experience. The electrode provides a low amount of spatter while delivering greater results with lower energy. The spray-type arc of this electrode is suitable for welding-

Mild steel.
Galvanized steel.
Some steels with low alloy.

You can also weld cast iron with 6011. However, experts won’t suggest that as there are other electrodes that weld cast iron better.

Is 6011 Welding Rod AC or DC?

E6011 welding rod goes with AC, thanks to the cellulose coating. You can also connect it using a DC connection. The polarity on DC can be both straight or reverse.

What’s the Difference Between 6011 and 7018 Welding Rods?

7018 is suitable for reverse DCEP and AC connection. For 6011, the proper hooking-up will be DCEP and AC.
7018 has a tensile strength of 70,000 PSI, and 6011 has 60,000 PSI.
E6011 is a deep penetration electrode. E7018 can penetrate from low to medium.
While both leave the desired finish, the beads left by 7018 are smoother.

Final Note

Because of the deep penetration capability, the 6011 is highly well-known. You can make use of the coating that allows the rod to weld without producing high slags behind. These slags are also easy to remove.

Weld from 6011 solidifies quickly. You can weld damaged or rusted metals using this welding rod. The bond between metals will be tight.

Last Updated on 2 years by Richard Boyer

Richard Boyer

Richard Boyer has been a professional welder for over 27 years of his life, and now he is a trainer and blogger providing critical information to anyone interested in welding. He is helping out both hobbyists, novice and professional welders to learn newer and better techniques. Read more about me

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