TOKO E6011 cellulose "stick" electrode or welding rod is one of the well-known "fast-freeze" electrode types. Being a "fast-freeze" welding rod, the E6011 electrode can be used in all welding positions. Moreover, the flux coating of the E6011 electrode allows for both DCEP and AC power supply.
In order to correctly identify a certain electrode or welding rod, the American Welding Society has devised a means of classifying welding rods. The "E" stands for electrode, the first two or three digits indicates the number of the weld metal's minimum tensile strength in kilo-pounds per square inch (ksi). The penultimate figure signifies the welding position, and thus, the electrode's welding characteristics or group. Lastly, the final digit denotes the type or types of current used during the welding process. Hence, in E6011, the 60 means 60 kpi (or 60,000 psi) the first number 1 signifies that the electrode can be used in all welding positions indicating that the weld solidifies quickly and thus, is very applicable for overhead welding. The last number "1" means that it can use either AC current and both DC polarities due to the high cellulose potassium flux coating.
The E6011 electrode is a cellulose electrode as its flux coating contains cellulose. Cellulose is an organic compound that consists of around 30% of the total amount in weight of the electrode coating. In some places, wood powder or paper pulp is added to reduce the cellulose content. The cellulose content in the flux coating of a cellulose electrode like the E6011 is transformed into hydrogen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide gas in the arc which, in turn, increases the tensile strength of the welded part. Moreover, the cellulose coating of the E6011 welding rod allows for deeper weld penetration. Furthermore, the E6011's high cellulose potassium coating allows and helps conduct AC electric current.
