Welding electrode ESAB ER 146 rutile 5.0 mm, 6.0 kg (MPN 4586504P00)

ESAB ER 146 rutile 5.0 mm is a rutile-coated manual metal arc (MMA) welding electrode supplied in a 6.0 kg pack. It is designed to deliver stable arc characteristics, good bead appearance and easy slag removal for general fabrication, repair and workshop welding on steels where rutile electrodes are suitable. The electrode diameter of 5.0 mm provides a balance between penetration and deposition rate for medium-thickness steel joints and typical maintenance tasks.

Advantages

ER 146 offers a stable arc that is easy to strike and re-strike, producing a smooth bead profile with minimal spatter. The rutile coating promotes manageable slag formation that peels off cleanly, reducing post-weld cleaning time. The electrode composition and coating provide good wetting and cosmetically acceptable welds on a range of carbon and low-alloy steels under standard workshop conditions.

Suitable for

• General fabrication and structural welding on carbon steels
• Repair and maintenance of machinery, vehicles and equipment
• Workshop and fabrication shop welding where rutile electrodes are preferred
• Welds on medium-thickness steel plates and sections

Key specifications

• Electrode type: rutile-coated MMA (manual metal arc)
• Diameter: 5.0 mm
• Pack weight: 6.0 kg
• Suitable base materials: carbon steels and common low-alloy steels
• Arc characteristics: stable arc, easy striking and re-striking
• Slag: manageable rutile slag for smooth removal

How to use

Select welding current and polarity according to the electrode diameter and base material recommendations, and prepare joint edges and surfaces by removing loose scale, rust and contaminants. Use steady travel speed and correct electrode angle to maintain a stable arc and consistent bead profile. After welding, allow the weld to cool and chip off residual slag; clean the weld area as required before any further processing or inspection.

Usage recommendations

Store electrodes in a dry environment to prevent moisture pickup. For best results, follow ESAB's recommended current ranges for 5.0 mm rutile electrodes and perform test welds when changing welding equipment or working with unfamiliar steels.