SMAW · Hardfacing

EFeMn-A

A work hardening manganese steel surfacing rod that stays soft and tough as deposited, then hardens dramatically at the surface once impact loading starts.

What the designation means

Point at any character to see what it claims. The classification is a sentence written in fields, not a product name.

  1. ECovered electrode for shielded metal arc surfacing.
  2. FeAn iron base deposit rather than a nickel, cobalt, or copper base.
  3. MnAustenitic manganese steel chemistry, the classic work hardening deposit used under heavy impact.
  4. -AThe specific chemistry class within the manganese family, a carbon-manganese type without the nickel addition carried by the companion class.

At a glance

Process
SMAW
Family
Hardfacing
Positions
Flat and horizontal, with buildup normally done downhand
Polarity
DCEP, or AC
Shielding
Self-shielded by the covering
Minimum tensile
-

Typical uses

  • Rebuilding crusher jaws, cones, and hammer mill parts
  • Repair of railroad frogs, points, and other impact loaded rail hardware
  • Buildup on dipper teeth, shovel lips, and dredge components

How it runs

  • Deposit is soft and machinable as welded, then work hardens under repeated impact
  • Non-magnetic austenitic structure, unlike most hardfacing overlays
  • Interpass temperature must be kept low or the deposit embrittles
  • Deposits should be short beads, peened and cooled, rather than long continuous runs

Storage and handling

Keep dry in sealed packaging; surfacing coverings pick up moisture and cause porosity in an already crack sensitive deposit.

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