AK-506NiCrCu Alkaline Electrode for Weathering Steel Bridge Welding.
A low-alloy high-strength alkaline electrode for all-position welding of corrosion-resistant bridge steel Q345-NH and similar weathering steels, using DC reverse polarity.
Product Overview
AK-506NiCrCu is an alkaline-coated covered electrode designed for manual metal arc welding of low-alloy high-strength steel. It is suitable for all welding positions and requires DC reverse polarity connection.
The electrode is intended for use on bridge corrosion-resistant steel Q345-NH and other weathering steels, where weld metal chemistry and mechanical performance must match the base metal's requirements under atmospheric exposure conditions.
It meets the EN ISO 2560-B E4916 G A, AWS A5.5 E7016-G, and GB/T 5118-1995 E5016-G classifications, with a deposited metal tensile strength of at least 490 MPa and a yield strength of at least 390 MPa.
Application: For bridge corrosion resistant steel Q345-NH and other weathering steel.
Key Benefits
All-Position Welding Capability
The electrode performs reliably in flat, horizontal, vertical, and overhead positions, allowing a single consumable to be used across all joint orientations without requalification.
DC Reverse Polarity Operation.
The electrode is designed for use with DC reverse polarity, which provides a stable arc, consistent penetration, and reduced spatter during welding.
Chemistry Matched to Weathering Steel.
The chemical composition includes controlled levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu to enhance atmospheric corrosion resistance in the weld metal, aligning with the performance of base metals like Q345-NH.
Low Hydrogen Characteristic
The alkaline coating reduces hydrogen content in the weld metal, helping to prevent cold cracking in high-strength and thick-section applications.
Where It Is Used
- Welding of bridge structures made from corrosion-resistant steel Q345-NH.
- Repair and fabrication of weathering steel components exposed to outdoor environments.
- High-strength structural joints in steel bridges and similar infrastructure.
- All-position welding in fabrication and field erection of weathering steel structures.
Who It Is For
- Steel bridge fabricators requiring consistent, code-compliant welding consumables.
- EPC contractors working on infrastructure projects with weathering steel specifications.
- Welding distributors supplying high-strength, low-alloy electrodes for structural applications.
- Maintenance teams working on weathering steel bridges needing reliable, low-hydrogen consumables.
Problems It Solves
- Achieving weld metal chemistry that matches the corrosion resistance and strength of weathering steel base metals like Q345-NH.
- Avoiding cold cracking in high-strength joints by using a low-hydrogen electrode with controlled chemical composition.
- Maintaining consistent weld quality across all positions without changing consumables on site.
Specifications
Published by the factory for AK-506NiCrCu. Values not shown are not published on the datasheet and are marked as such rather than estimated.
| Standard | Designation |
|---|---|
| Classification | EN ISO 2560-B E4916 G A AWS A5.5 E7016-G GB/T 5118-1995 E5016-G |
| Element | Content |
|---|---|
| C | 0.10 |
| Mn | 1.25 |
| P | 0.035 |
| S | 0.020 |
| Si | 0.60 |
| Cr | 0.30-0.80 |
| Mo | 0.30 |
| Ni | 0.20-0.50 |
| Cu | 0.08 |
Mechanical property data for this grade is not published on the factory datasheet. Ask our technical team for the test record before you qualify it.
| Diameter | Current range |
|---|---|
| 0.8mm | F-70-110A / V(OH)-50-80A |
| 1.0mm | F-100-140A / V(OH)-80-110A |
| 1.2mm | F-140-180A / V(OH)-130-170A |
Technical Features
- Alkaline coating for low hydrogen and stable arc performance.
- Deposited metal tensile strength at least 490 MPa and yield strength at least 390 MPa.
- Chemical composition includes Cr 0.30-0.80%, Ni 0.20-0.50%, Cu 0.08%, and Mo 0.30% for enhanced weathering resistance.
- Available in 0.8 mm, 1.0 mm, and 1.2 mm diameters with specified current ranges for each.
- Supplied to EN ISO 2560-B E4916 G A, AWS A5.5 E7016-G, and GB/T 5118-1995 E5016-G classifications.
Use Guide
- Select electrode diameter based on joint thickness and position: 0.8 mm for thin sections, 1.0 mm for medium, 1.2 mm for thicker sections.
- Use DC reverse polarity for stable arc and consistent penetration.
- Set current within the recommended range: 0.8 mm – 70-110 A flat/horizontal, 50-80 A vertical/overhead; 1.0 mm – 100-140 A flat/horizontal, 80-110 A vertical/overhead; 1.2 mm – 140-180 A flat/horizontal, 130-170 A vertical/overhead.
- Keep electrodes dry in sealed packaging; re-dry if exposed to moisture before use.
- Clean joint surfaces of rust, oil, paint, and moisture before welding to ensure sound fusion and avoid defects.
How It Compares
AK-506NiCrCu and E7016-G both belong to the same AWS A5.5 and ISO 2560-B classifications and are used for high-strength low-alloy steel. The alkaline coating in AK-506NiCrCu provides lower hydrogen content and better crack resistance compared to rutile electrodes like E6013. Unlike cellulosic electrodes, it offers a cleaner bead and less spatter but requires stricter drying and handling. It is not suitable for low-hydrogen applications requiring ultra-low diffusible hydrogen levels, where a dedicated low-hydrogen electrode with a different coating may be preferred.
Related Grades
Other welding electrodes in the same family.
AK-506NiCrCu Questions
What are the recommended current ranges for each diameter?
Which standards does this electrode meet?
What is the chemical composition of the deposited metal?
Can I get technical data and packing details before ordering?
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Request a Quotation for AK-506NiCrCu
Send the diameter, the quantity and the destination port. Our technical team replies with packing, pricing and the data you need to qualify the grade.